Power steering belt
05-24-2016 | 01:11 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: PA
Power steering belt
My power steering belt might be shot and was wondering if anyone had a diy or experience on how to replace it. I tried to do a search but I can't seem to find any solid information in the job. The car developed a clicking noise when the car is on and at idle, but now I get a loud knock when the car is at full lock. I did some research and it seems to be the belt. My car has 178k miles and don't think the power steering belt has been replaced. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, Justin
Thanks, Justin
05-24-2016 | 01:32 PM
#2
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,673
Likes: 51
From: Folsom CA
Justin -
If you've searched, you've probably seen my opinion on this job as a hack DIY mechanic.
In short, it was very difficult for me, and is the only job I've attempted on any car that thoroughly kicked my butt. I would recommend you call around to the Indy shops in your area and see if any of them are willing to change the belt without dropping the engine. Definitely consider leaving this one to the professionals.
If you do attempt to DIY it, it's simple in theory. Going from memory...
1) Remove the plastic cover that covers the belt.
2) Remove the screws that hold the pulley to the PS pump. Use your absolute best stubby hex sockets for this. It will be difficult as there is very little room. If you strip one of these things, the engine is coming out.
3) Light a few candles
4) Cut off the old belt
5) Sacrifice some chickens
6) Somehow pull the pulley off the pump. Mine was pretty well fused. I went ahead and dropped the engine at this point since I was removing a bunch of turbo-specific clutch hydraulics anyway.
To reinstall:
1) feed one end of the belt through the pulley on the camshaft
2) Place the belt on the (removed) PS pulley
3) Hold the PS pulley in place and reattach with the screws
4) Reattach the cover
5) Say thanks to the deity of your choosing, if you're into that kind of thing.
If I were to attempt this again, I would remove anything and everything I could to get better access.
If you've searched, you've probably seen my opinion on this job as a hack DIY mechanic.
In short, it was very difficult for me, and is the only job I've attempted on any car that thoroughly kicked my butt. I would recommend you call around to the Indy shops in your area and see if any of them are willing to change the belt without dropping the engine. Definitely consider leaving this one to the professionals.
If you do attempt to DIY it, it's simple in theory. Going from memory...
1) Remove the plastic cover that covers the belt.
2) Remove the screws that hold the pulley to the PS pump. Use your absolute best stubby hex sockets for this. It will be difficult as there is very little room. If you strip one of these things, the engine is coming out.
3) Light a few candles
4) Cut off the old belt
5) Sacrifice some chickens
6) Somehow pull the pulley off the pump. Mine was pretty well fused. I went ahead and dropped the engine at this point since I was removing a bunch of turbo-specific clutch hydraulics anyway.
To reinstall:
1) feed one end of the belt through the pulley on the camshaft
2) Place the belt on the (removed) PS pulley
3) Hold the PS pulley in place and reattach with the screws
4) Reattach the cover
5) Say thanks to the deity of your choosing, if you're into that kind of thing.
If I were to attempt this again, I would remove anything and everything I could to get better access.
05-24-2016 | 01:57 PM
#3
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 205
Likes: 2
From: Canada
If you think the belt might be shot then first of all check to see if it is. If not this then maybe you are looking at a rack rebuild.
If the belt is ok then I think the clicking at idle could be another issue.
If the belt is ok then I think the clicking at idle could be another issue.
05-24-2016 | 02:42 PM
#4
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: PA
Justin -
If you've searched, you've probably seen my opinion on this job as a hack DIY mechanic.
In short, it was very difficult for me, and is the only job I've attempted on any car that thoroughly kicked my butt. I would recommend you call around to the Indy shops in your area and see if any of them are willing to change the belt without dropping the engine. Definitely consider leaving this one to the professionals.
If you do attempt to DIY it, it's simple in theory. Going from memory...
1) Remove the plastic cover that covers the belt.
2) Remove the screws that hold the pulley to the PS pump. Use your absolute best stubby hex sockets for this. It will be difficult as there is very little room. If you strip one of these things, the engine is coming out.
3) Light a few candles
4) Cut off the old belt
5) Sacrifice some chickens
6) Somehow pull the pulley off the pump. Mine was pretty well fused. I went ahead and dropped the engine at this point since I was removing a bunch of turbo-specific clutch hydraulics anyway.
To reinstall:
1) feed one end of the belt through the pulley on the camshaft
2) Place the belt on the (removed) PS pulley
3) Hold the PS pulley in place and reattach with the screws
4) Reattach the cover
5) Say thanks to the deity of your choosing, if you're into that kind of thing.
If I were to attempt this again, I would remove anything and everything I could to get better access.
If you've searched, you've probably seen my opinion on this job as a hack DIY mechanic.
In short, it was very difficult for me, and is the only job I've attempted on any car that thoroughly kicked my butt. I would recommend you call around to the Indy shops in your area and see if any of them are willing to change the belt without dropping the engine. Definitely consider leaving this one to the professionals.
If you do attempt to DIY it, it's simple in theory. Going from memory...
1) Remove the plastic cover that covers the belt.
2) Remove the screws that hold the pulley to the PS pump. Use your absolute best stubby hex sockets for this. It will be difficult as there is very little room. If you strip one of these things, the engine is coming out.
3) Light a few candles
4) Cut off the old belt
5) Sacrifice some chickens
6) Somehow pull the pulley off the pump. Mine was pretty well fused. I went ahead and dropped the engine at this point since I was removing a bunch of turbo-specific clutch hydraulics anyway.
To reinstall:
1) feed one end of the belt through the pulley on the camshaft
2) Place the belt on the (removed) PS pulley
3) Hold the PS pulley in place and reattach with the screws
4) Reattach the cover
5) Say thanks to the deity of your choosing, if you're into that kind of thing.
If I were to attempt this again, I would remove anything and everything I could to get better access.
I did some research on the loud clicking noise coming from the power steering pump and it seems like a worn out belt is the culprit, fingers crossed. The steering rack is not leaking any fluid nor the pump, I am hoping that the power steering pump is fine and the car just needs a new belt. I am going to pull the car apart tonight and inspect. Keep you guys posted.
Last edited by Jwolf427; 05-24-2016 at 03:13 PM.
05-24-2016 | 11:40 PM
#5
Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 289
Likes: 7
This belt plus the power steering pressure hose I thought were best to replace when the engine was out for seals. Preventative maintenance is worth the extra parts on those hard to get at items. Replace the engine compartment sound pad too.
05-24-2016 | 11:47 PM
#6
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 16,523
Likes: 82
From: Bend, OR
It was a tight fit getting the new belt on, when I had my engine out. Maybe tilting the pump will do the trick.
Sometimes, the effort to drop a motor is justified, if there are enough maintenance projects to be done.
Sometimes, the effort to drop a motor is justified, if there are enough maintenance projects to be done.
