[s-cars] Power Steering Pump

[Charlie Smith]

Earlier, jimk at spotgraphicsinc.com wrote:
>
> Hello,
> Since the X-plug is leaking on my 95.5 Avant, I have searched the
> archives and read all of the info that I could find regarding replacing
> the X-plug and the O-ring.  While I found part numbers for the repair
> kit (New Xplug and O-ring) and the suggested Napa Drag-link socket I
> also saw several disturbing posts that indicated that the whole thing
> might blow out soon after fixing.

If you use the right O-ring, you won't have a problem.  When people use
a replacement from the hardware store that's a little off size, then you
hear these stories.

The only time you need to replace the plug itself, is if you bugger up the
very shallow screw slots in the head.  If you are careful, and use something
like the drag link socket you won't have that problem.

The Audi kit includes both an O-ring and the plug, for $12 or some such,
but it's really the O-ring you need..


> Soooo, I am thinking about just replacing the whole pump for peace of
> mind if nothing else.

I wish I had your money to throw around.  This is really overkill.


> There are way too many opportunities here in
> Californa to get stranded in BFE 100's of miles away from anyone I would
> want toughing my car.
> My questions:
> 1. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where to find a good price on
> a rebuilt Power-Steering unit?
> 2. Or is new one a LOT better way to go?  I understand that even new can
> mean great variabilty in quality as my 59000 mile 95.5  car is leaking
> and the 112000 mile 93 car is bone-dry with both on their first pump.
> 3. Or if I just fix the one I have, can the "Drag-link socket" be used
> to accurately torque (wiuth a wrench) the plug down so it does not pop
> back out?  I can't visualize the drag-link socket having never seen one.

The drag link socket is just a wide stubby screwdriver blade.  I don't think
torque is real critical, it's the O-ring that seals it up.  Just pretty
tight should work.  I think I loosened and tightened it with an impact
driver.  This is a gizmo you can buy at Sears or Napa that has a 1/2" socket
drive on it, that you hit with a hammer to twist the socket drive.


> 4. If torqued correctly, does this really solve the problem until the
> new O-ring starts to leak?  Or has anyone followed the correct procedure
> and still had the thing blow on them?

Yes, this solves the problem.  The new O-ring may last forever, or another
100,000 miles whichever comes first.

    - Charlie


  Charlie Smith   charlie at elektro.cmhnet.org  614-471-1418
  http://www.elektro.com/~charlie      Columbus Ohio   USA
  http://www.elektro.com/~audi     photos & technical info

  95 S6 Quattro  -  24 PSI, RS2 6 speed, and other features
  97 Dodge Ram   -  35 PSI, 4x4 w/Cummins turbo diesel