LJ993

1996 993 Cab, 104k miles. Over the past couple of weeks I noticed some clicking out of the passenger rear area of the car when turning the steering wheel to the full right or left side. Recently, I noticed that the clicking occurred when the steering wheel was turned less towards the stops. As I backed into my parking spot this morning, I noticed that the clicking occurred when I turned even 90 degrees off of center, in either direction. I checked the fluid level and all looks good (I replaced my steering rack about a year ago). Without taking off the power steering pump cover, is there a way to tell if the belt failed or if it is the power steering pump itself? What is noticeable when the belt completely fails? Is the car driveable to the shop in this condition? thanks, scratching my head in San Diego.

AOW162435

If the belt failed, you would know it. At least your arms would.



Andreas

LJ993

Other than the arm workout, is there any danger in driving it to the shop if the belt has failed? ie am I going to do any additional damage? Is there a risk that the belt could jam up and impact the cam? thanks

pp000830

I seem to recall a faild power steering pump is one where the shaft seals are leaking fluid all over the floor. Could be a fiber from the belt slapping against somthing that is most aparent under load as when turning the wheel. The belt is rather robust and in most cases only needs to be changed once every 80K or so.

Mike J

No stated change interval from Mr. Porsche , and I have never seen one break - but have had to cut one once - long story... haha.

I do replace them but not scheduled, but if the car has high milage and its convenience (ie. engine out) then I will do it. All the belts I have pulled off have looked pretty good.

I have replaced a few bad p/s pumps, both were not leaking, but were making noises, especially a full lock when the pressure spikes. It's a bit of a bear to do - awful tight and tricky getting the belt on. Much easier on a lift.

Cheers,

Mike

pp000830

Is noise really the basis for replacement? Could the noise simply be cavitation of the impeller in the fluid? Can changing the fluid to a higher vicosity quiet things down? Or could one just add some stop leak fluid to raise the viscosity slightly? Should one try all these things first before applying a wrench?

pp000830

Hi LJ993, If you try any of the non- invasive remedies I list above could you follow up with me and let me know of the results?

LJ993

The noise coming from the engine bay was very loud and gave an immediate, "what the heck happened." By the time that I got to the shop, about 8 miles from my office, the clicking sound, which was very loud, occurred when the steering wheel was turned even 90 degrees off of center. It is at the shop now. I hope to get it back today and get the specifics of what happened. Initial thought by the shop was that it was the belt. Details to follow.

EMBPilot

lol what?!

AOW162435

I've found that a dollop of lite mayonnaise and one tablespoon of steel-cut oats works as well as or better than any of the typical stop-leak solutions. Mix the mayonnaise, oats and 2 or 3 ounces of Pentosin in a container before pouring into the power steering reservoir.



Andreas

kjr914

OP,
Your power steering belt is dying. Mine, at 115kmi, did exactly what yours is doing....fine going straight, a heinous noise when turned to full lock, and it got noisier with less turning over the short time before I got it fixed. Your shop will have you fixed up quickly.

Mike J

That is a strong diagnosis to conclude it's the belt - I have seen this and the pump was failing.

Not saying it's not, but it's possible to be another cause.

Cheers,

Mike

pp000830

This is the stuff, I have used it with good results in other cars;
http://www.autozone.com/brake-and-po...ak/828044_0_0/

Sun Tsu said the overly fastidious find themselves subject to ridicule.
In this case I find your ridicule flattering!
Best regards,
Andy

AOW162435

No ridicule intended. Merely a desire to inject a bit o' humor, the likes of which we enjoyed oft times when I first joined this fine forum.

I've not met Sun Tsu, but he sounds like a bright fellow.



Andreas

pp000830

Very good! Read as humor too.