dimmer

For some time now, my power steering has been developing a moan. It's been getting worse over time and I'd like to address the issue. The moaning has also gotten loader with the colder weather ... but it does improve once the car is warmed up. It is also louder as I turn the wheel ... if I turn very quickly, the steering has a bit of a rough feel to it. The steering is not difficult to turn ... still feels like full power assist. I have installed the pump rebuild kit and changed the reservoir & hoses to no avail. Belt tension also seems fine. I suspect it's the pump, but I don't understand why it would get quieter as it warms up. Could there be a sticky pressure relief valve in the system?

Any suggestions for debugging/resolving this issue?

In case it's relevant, my car is an '88 5 speed.

daveo90s4

Sounds like you need to r&r the steering pump. Basically involves removal, disassembly, fitting new seals etc. The kit is about $20 and the job is relatively easy. You will need to remove 'stuff' to get good access to the pump.

JHowell37

Put in some Dex 6 fluid. It won't cure the problem, but it will improve it a bit.

NickT

Mine does the same thing, another winter time project.

soontobered84

There is a filter built into the fluid reservoir. When that filter gets the least bit dirty, your PS will groan. Replace the reservoir and chances are that the groan will go away. BTW, the reservoirs are cheap.

dimmer

I did the seal kit on the pump 2 years ago and replaced the reservoir last year. I don't recall any bearing with seal kit ... Maybe I need to R&R the pump again and find bearings this time?

dcrasta

Before you go as far as rebuilding..

1-Add half a can of SeaFoam transmission fix.
2--Run the car turning the wheel lock to lock ..
3-Drain the Reservoir and Replace the reservoir filter. (service item requires periodic replacement)
4-Refil with synthetic ATF. I just switched to B/M Slick Shift.
5-Check and retension power steering belt
6-Restart car run the wheel lock to lock..


You may be able to fix the moan as long as you dont have any leaks without removing the pump . It could be contaminated or old fluid.

76FJ55

I had the same issue with mine for some time. I replaced the reservoir, but it had no effect on the groan. This past weekend while at 3rd coast, Sean suggested checking the torque of the bolts that secure the front housing to the pump. Sure enough, after tightening the pump housing bolts, it's back to its original silent operation, so I'd try that first and it's free.

Thanks, for the suggestion Sean.

dcrasta

Those bolts lock it in place after the tensioner has been adjusted.

Sounds like either you had some belt service or a tension adjustment and someone forgot to retension the pump housing bolts.

Glad its cheap (always try the cheap solutions first!)

I would still replace the reservoir and fluid as soon as possible, and double check the belt tension. Reservoir is pretty cheap, and you can get it all done for less than 30 bucks or so.

Best of luck!

underdog928

I think this ^^^^ is the key piece of information here.

I did hoses, reservoir, fluid change still moaned when cold. Rebuilt the pump (including replacing the shaft seal), runs like new and very quiet.

You may be able to replace the seal without pulling the pump again.

Drill two small holes in the seal and screw small screws into the holes. Be very careful not to scratch the shaft. Then pull on the screws. Should work. Worst case, you have to pull the pump again.

Replacing the shaft seal is the solution.

PortlandTom

I'm hearing a moan from my power steering, and found this thread. I want to try the Seafoam trick but have a couple questions:

- Do I have to completely flush the Seafoam with fresh ATF? If so, how is this done?

- What is the part # of the replacement reservoir filter?

Thanks,
Tom D.
'93 GTS 5spd., Amazom Green

soontobered84

Portland Tom,
The filter is built into the reservoir. You simply replace the whole reservoir.

76FJ55

i had heard about the filter causing this issue as well, so i replaced my reservoir. whhen i removed the old res and started looking at it i was surprised to learn that the filter is actually on the return side and nt the supply.

PortlandTom

Thanks. I guess I used to know this, but one of the posts above seemed to indicate that the filter could be replaced separately.

So if I introduce Seafoam into the system, do I have to flush it all out, Or is is OK to leave some in?

PortlandTom

That does seem strange. There's no protection from dirt, etc. entering through the reservoir mouth.