98 V70 steering pump failing? - how to diagnose

[98v70dad]

How can you tell if a steering pump is going out? I have a droning noise that I can't determine the source of. I had a failing steering pump on another car that sounded similar. I also get a little front end wobble at 60 to 70 mph I cant figure out. The other day it occurred to me that maybe they're related and the steering pump is the source...

Anyhow I've got no idea how to tell if its the steering pump. Any ideas would be appreciated. Otherwise my steering works fine.

[scot850]

Removing the serpentine belt will help identify if the droning noise is coming from any of the items with a pulley on the path of the belt.

It is hard to tell if the steering pump is failing. I suspect from the description og the one on the 850 that went to California last year the pump could have a similar issue as it is noisy and my brother says the steering is getting heavier. Mind you I forgot to remind him to run the tires at higher psi than in the handbook. I run them at 36psi all around and not the 30 or 32? in the handbook as I always found my tires wearing on the outer edges on both sides of the tire.

I have not had one fail on me yet, but I have heard one that sounded like it was cavitating the oil and it made a weird noise. Other issue is leaking front seal on the pump. With the belt removed, feel for a rough movement in the bearing of all items, A/C compressor, idler bearing, tensioner bearing, alternator and steering pump

If the noise is in the engine bay when not moving the belt removal would at least narrow down the affected items. I find it is hard even with a stethescope to narrow down noises on the serpentine belt path as the noises all transmit through the aluminum casting they all mount to.

When did you last change the pump oil?

Neil.

[98v70dad]

Removing the serpentine belt will help identify if the droning noise is coming from any of the items with a pulley on the path of the belt.

It is hard to tell if the steering pump is failing. I suspect from the description og the one on the 850 that went to California last year the pump could have a similar issue as it is noisy and my brother says the steering is getting heavier. Mind you I forgot to remind him to run the tires at higher psi than in the handbook. I run them at 36psi all around and not the 30 or 32? in the handbook as I always found my tires wearing on the outer edges on both sides of the tire.

I have not had one fail on me yet, but I have heard one that sounded like it was cavitating the oil and it made a weird noise. Other issue is leaking front seal on the pump. With the belt removed, feel for a rough movement in the bearing of all items, A/C compressor, idler bearing, tensioner bearing, alternator and steering pump

If the noise is in the engine bay when not moving the belt removal would at least narrow down the affected items. I find it is hard even with a stethescope to narrow down noises on the serpentine belt path as the noises all transmit through the aluminum casting they all mount to.

When did you last change the pump oil?

Neil.

Thanks. I last changed the pump fluid about a year ago. The sound is very much like cavitation. That said, the steering works fine although I get a wobble at between 60 and 70 that I can't explain. All the suspension parts, tires, balance alignment are new - so I'm running out of ideas. The other day I started thinking about the steering pump. The belt and tensioner are both new on that system.

I'm inclined to suspect the exhaust because with the windows open I can hear the sound coming at me from up under the car - only louder. I have not been able to find a crack or leak in the exhaust though.

[wizechatmgr]

A mechanic's stethoscope (or any other) can be helpful in these situations if you think it is a belt-driven accessory/system. Place it on the item in question and more times than not you'll be able to determine if that item is the issue.

[98v70dad]

A mechanic's stethoscope (or any other) can be helpful in these situations if you think it is a belt-driven accessory/system. Place it on the item in question and more times than not you'll be able to determine if that item is the issue.

Thanks. Thats hard to do when the car has to be moving for the sound to take place. The sound starts around 2000 rpm and mostly when under load (accelerating). For that reason I'm doubtful that its a failing steering pump. However the sound does sound just like cavitation so it was worth asking the question - maybe someone knows something I don't.

[wizechatmgr]

If it has to be moving to cause the sound it isn't likely the power steering pump. If it were, just revving the engine should cause the sound to change.

Any chance of an audio recording or video?

[98v70dad]

If it has to be moving to cause the sound it isn't likely the power steering pump. If it were, just revving the engine should cause the sound to change.

Any chance of an audio recording or video?

I've been thinking about how I could do that for the past couple of weeks. Maybe some duct tape, an iphone, a microphone and careful placement under the hood. The noise is worst at 60 to 70 mph. It does sound just like mild cavitation in a hydraulic system.

[scot850]

Does your car have an engine cooler as standard? There is a thermostat if you do that sits near the crank pulley and it can get noisy as they get older. They are unfortunately no longer available new.

Neil.

[98v70dad]

Does your car have an engine cooler as standard? There is a thermostat if you do that sits near the crank pulley and it can get noisy as they get older. They are unfortunately no longer available new.

Neil.

Thanks - no idea. Don't even know what that is.

[abscate]

There is an oil thermostat down near the crank pulley on -1998 that moans when they get old.

It is a junkyard special but I've never read of a catastrophic failure here.