Power Steering Issue

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jharrisliberty

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So to start off I am on my third power steering pump. I installed this one about two months ago. Ever since I have installed the pump it likes to make a loud whining noise when I turn the wheel. I wasn't aware at the time when I installed it that I should have put ATF+4 fluid in it. So the other day I flushed the power steering pump and I used the correct fluid this time. I have also been reading up on the possibilities of the fact that my pressure hose could be weeping. I have checked on this and I do not see anything on the hoses that could indicate this. Also the whining noise goes away once I have been driving it for a while. The noise is driving me insane. Any kind of help would be great at this point.
 

tommudd

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So a little more back story on why 3 pumps ?
where did you get them from ?
what did you use in it as far as fluid goes before?
Most of the high pressure hoses do weep some it seems, as long as no large puddles it should be fine
Are you getting all of the air out before you drive after installing a new one?

I bought a reman from MOPAR for my 04 that whined and carried on from day one. They couldn't get another for a few days so ended up at ( ashamed to admit it, flatozone) The one from there quiet from day one and no issues at all

Also some seem to have some whining to them when really cold so possibly that could be it as well
 

jharrisliberty

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So on the first two the area where the reservoir connects to the pump broke so now I am on the third pump. I was running regular power steering fluid before I switched it to the ATF+4. I got the two replacement pumps from Advanced Auto. I used a trick that I found on here about turning the engine on and then back off and letting it sit for 20 to 30 minutes and doing this till the air is out. Is there some part of that I missed to clear the air from the lines? Or is there a better way to have done it? The problem does seem to really only happen when it is cold out side. And the colder it is the worse it seems to get.
 

tjkj2002

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Somewhere between being sane and insane!
That whine is caused by air in the fluid.


Proper way to bleed is to lift front wheels off ground,fill fluid up,turn lock to lock(engine off) a few times.Re-check fluid level(add if needed) and then start engine,check fluid level,and then slowly turn close to lock to lock.Rinse and repeat.


From my professional experience(20 years ASE mater tech) you need to replace the high pressure and return lines with the pump.If you can buy a pump that comes with the reservoir already attached that is the best.Common leak point is that o-ring.The return line can be totally dry but still have pin-holes that allow air to enter the system as the return line is under a slight vacuum when the engine is running.


When I did my SFA swap I put in a new pump(nothing wrong with old one) I bought a brand new PS pump from the dealership.Cost $140 and came complete(res and pulley) and was cheaper then a re-maned pump only(no res or pulley) from advance auto.
 

jharrisliberty

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That whine is caused by air in the fluid.


Proper way to bleed is to lift front wheels off ground,fill fluid up,turn lock to lock(engine off) a few times.Re-check fluid level(add if needed) and then start engine,check fluid level,and then slowly turn close to lock to lock.Rinse and repeat.


From my professional experience(20 years ASE mater tech) you need to replace the high pressure and return lines with the pump.If you can buy a pump that comes with the reservoir already attached that is the best.Common leak point is that o-ring.The return line can be totally dry but still have pin-holes that allow air to enter the system as the return line is under a slight vacuum when the engine is running.


When I did my SFA swap I put in a new pump(nothing wrong with old one) I bought a brand new PS pump from the dealership.Cost $140 and came complete(res and pulley) and was cheaper then a re-maned pump only(no res or pulley) from advance auto.

So you are saying that to make sure that there is no air entering the system it would be best if I replaced the high pressure and return lines just to make sure that they are not the problem? And then bleed the system.
 

CalcityRenegade

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So you are saying that to make sure that there is no air entering the system it would be best if I replaced the high pressure and return lines just to make sure that they are not the problem? And then bleed the system.

That is where I would start. Hopefully no damage has been done to the pump but I doubt it. My old Sierra HD's high pressure hose burst and the pump ran dry as I was on my way home. Replaced the hose, Filled up the reservoir and bled it and was fine until the truck got stolen a couple years later.
 

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