PS Return Line/Cooler plugged? Is this a thing?

[Brendon Holt]

Hey all,

Chasing down some PS problems. For context, recently replaced the PS pump and high pressure lines. Power steering felt great for a couple days then took a dump. When I look in the reservoir when turning the wheels there's no fluid movement and the pump whines when turning the wheels.

If I feel the high pressure lines with the engine running I can feel the lines buzzing like they're trying to have fluid pumped through them. All this makes me feel like there's some kind of issue after the high pressure line and along the return lines. Is it a known issue to have the cooler/return lines get plugged up?

I plan on dropping the return line and letting it run in to a bucket while I refresh the fluid in the reservoir to see if I've got any kind of pressure coming out of the return line (although I know it shouldn't be much). Anyways, any help is appreciated.

 

[seafish]

recently replaced the PS pump and high pressure lines. Power steering felt great for a couple days then took a dump. When I look in the reservoir when turning the wheels there's no fluid movement and the pump whines when turning the wheels.

Did you properly fill and bleed after the install?

Sounds like the pump took a dump … if it failed internally then it could easily have dumped metal int he lines plugging them … if its an aftermarket rebuild, then thats even more likely.

Not entirely helpful…Just my .02

 

[Brendon Holt]

Did you properly fill and bleed after the install?

Sounds like the pump took a dump … if it failed internally then it could easily have dumped metal int he lines plugging them … if its an aftermarket rebuild, then thats even more likely.

Not entirely helpful…Just my .02

Yupp, lifted the front end and turned the wheels lock to lock without the engine running 15 times, started it for a second to draw fluid through the pump, shut it off and refilled the reservoir and then bled with it running for another 15 turns lock to lock.

It was a Napa reman which I went with because it seemed to be what people had had good luck with here. I'm thinking you may be right, unfortunately. Especially since it seemed to work well for a couple days before the steering got stiff again. When I replace it I'll be going with a new pump, to say the least.

 

[Brendon Holt]

Pulled the belt off the pump this morning. There's play in the pulley (listen here) so I'm betting on the pump failing prematurely.

I'm gonna get in touch with some local salvage yards and try and find an OEM pump since it seems like all the aftermarket suppliers are a crapshoot