[s-cars] Re: Power steering whine... pump vs rack???

[William Noland]

The PS pump also pressurizes the brake accumulator. If your bomb is on the way out, the pump is getting an extra workout and everytime you steer, it adds enough load that the pump starts to complain. Does it do it more/exclusively after the car has been sitting? Mine was noisy only after startup, as the pump was working to repressurize the brakes.

Of course, the harder the pump works, the more likely it will need replacing along with the accumulator. Rebuilds are available for the pump. I'd have your accumulator checked out though, too, or the new/rebuild pump will get worked to death, before its time. You might try www.griffiths.com or www.sjmautotechnik.com for rebuilds.

Bill Noland




> I've got a whine from the power steering system:
> nothing when going straight but whines when turning
> left or right.  Also occasionally at idle there feels
> like there is no power assist.  I've flushed the
> system with no change.  I suspect the pump but could
> this be the rack? No leaks.  Any similar experiences?
> Also lookign for a good source/price for a rebuilt
> unit...