Drmark

Me again,
Got an annoying rub / noise in my power steering on and off for last 10,000 miles (12 months) - it happens on tight lock when moving only, and I can feel it in the steering. I have changed the reservoir and flushed the fluid. There are no leaks. No froth in fluid, levels fine. Where do I go next?

Is it worth taking the pump off and dismantling it and fitting new seals (as per rennbay)? Or should I just go for a replacement straight out? Worse still, might it be the rack rather the pump?

And finally, how long does it take to remove and refit the pump - when it's being done by a hamfisted doctor?

Questions questions.

Thanks guys.

Mark

Drmark

PS it's the GTS that's playing up. I've sold the S4 - will amend my sig.

ErnestSw

Have you confirmed that one or both tires are not rubbing somewhere on the body or suspension?

Travis - sflraver

We have a new video for the pump rebuild that might give you a little more insight into whats involved.

Right click and choose "save target as" on the link below.

http://www.rennbay.com/images/vid/pu...tall_small.wmv

Drmark

Thanks Travis - could a re-seal solve the problem .. or am I grasping at straws!
Mark

FlyingDog

Travis, you don't happen to have one of those videos for the rack, do you?

Travis - sflraver

The groan you hear is air bubbles moving through the system when its a power steering problem. This causes the foam in the fluid. If there is none of that then your probably ok.

We have one for the 944 rack on tape. I just need to edit it and it will be out as well.

Garth S

To refine the question then, provided that the system has been properly bled, operated correctly for some time ( years) and the moaning appears accompanied with froth in the reservoir - is this due to cavitation in the pump, bypassing internal seals, air ingress through loose banjo bolts on the suction side, etc.??
Does rebuilding the PS pump normally cure these issues?

zoltan944

try some lucas Power steering fluid (not the stop leak, but the regular one with stop leak in there) and see if it can lube anything maybe your not getting before you dive into something expensive and long

daveo90s4

Mark, you ask about power steering pump removal. My PS on my 1990 S4 would moan and groan when cold. No froth in reservoir though. I purchased the Rennbay 944/928/993 repair kit and did the job yesterday. Noise now all gone and steering feels a little lighter too. All up it took me quite a while - say 8 hrs (yip, that slow), But I'd never done one before, so took it very slowly on purpose.The hard bit was getting the pump out - until I realised the correct way is to remove the pump hanger bracket as well. Putting in the new seals and putting it all back together is the easy part. 2nd time around I reckon it would take me less than 1/2 this time. I'd be happy to write you a step by step of how I did it (or more to the point, how I now realise it can be done most easily). Email me on doverington AT ozemail DOT com DOT au if required. I took some photos too of teh removal. Note the Rennbay video is an excellant tutorial for the actual reconditioning task,

Cheers
Dave O
90 S4
Australia

Mrmerlin

Hi I just did this job and i had a rumble/grind/groan when turning the steering wheel, i had flushed the system and installed a rebuilt rack and new resivour, the only thing left was the pump it now is quiet with a rebuilt pump installed, I am not shure that just replacing the seals will make the pump run quieter, Stan

Travis - sflraver

What happens with the pump is sometimes it will let a little air suck in from the case halves or the shaft seal. If it is just right you will get a "moan" in the pump but it will not be quite enough to cause froth.
If you have a little time, rebuilding the pump is a good place to start. Its cheap and its something you can do on your own.

Drmark

Thanks guys.
I'll start with the rebuild.

Mrmerlin

Hi I am curious to see your results, thanks, Stan

ROG100

Mark,
Just did it on the 87. The reseal is the way to go. Follow the Rennbay video - if it takes more than 30 mins you are stopping to drink to much beer.
Worst part is taking the alternator off. Be prepared to support the alternator from below and don't let it hang on the wire.
Also buy the replacement banjo seals from Rennbay while you are at it - you will need them.
Good luck.