power steering "clacking" noise

hu5ker555 · Post by **hu5ker555** » 04 Jan 2021, 08:33

2005 S80 2.5T, 220k

There is an intermittent loud "clacking" sound that seems to be coming from my power steering pump. There are no leaks, the reservoir is at the proper level, and I don't seem foaming or odd coloration. The pulley feels solid, no wobble. The power steering assist works fine.

Is this a sign that the power steering pump is about to go kaput? If so, I can make a run to the junkyard and swap it out.

Or is there some mystery piece inside the reservoir that could be limiting circulation? I've seen some posts about something like this, but not sure what to look for.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 06 Jan 2021, 05:01

hu5ker555 wrote: 04 Jan 2021, 08:33 There is an intermittent loud "clacking" sound that seems to be coming from my power steering pump.

Did you inspect the AC clutch?

hu5ker555 · Post by **hu5ker555** » 06 Jan 2021, 06:38

No, I did not. What should I be looking for? Maybe I should remove the serpentine belt and see if any of the pulleys (PS, alt, A/C, tensioner) are loose or wobbly?

hu5ker555 · Post by **hu5ker555** » 10 Jan 2021, 19:34

UPDATE

So upon closer inspection, noticed that the ENTIRE belt tensioner pulley was gone. The belt was riding on an empty shaft!!!
Never seen anything like it. There was just enough tension to run the PS, alternator, AC somehow. Not sure how the pulley disappeared, but the belt stayed on. Maybe since the pulley is plastic, it just disintegrated.

Either way, went to the junkyard, pulled off a belt tensioner, put on a new belt, and away we go.

Post by **ndphotonl** » 11 Jan 2021, 12:40

Wow crazy, did you make any pics?

Why not a new belt tensioner btw?

hu5ker555 · Post by **hu5ker555** » 11 Jan 2021, 16:04

No pics. I have easy access to several junkyards and actually prefer obtaining parts there myself. This way I can be certain how best to access the components, try out a few things, and then tackle the job with confidence. Fairly straightforward job. The top bolt on the tensioner was accessed from above. The bottom bolt through the wheel well. Remove the tensioner through the wheel well. That way the PS pump can remain in place.