mtande4

Hey all,

I have a '99 Grand Prix GT that has around 140k on it. It had a leak in the power steering (I had to add a full bottle of fluid every week) and it started squeaking loudly at all times. I finally got the extra money to replace the pump just last week. I got the new pump on, started the car (while holding my breath) and...the squeak was still there. And it was still hard to turn. I started having to add a full bottle of fluid EVERY DAY. Last night, the squeak turned in to a extremely high-pitched whining. I was driving it home and noticed that my battery light was on and my temperature was almost pegged out. Luckily I was only 100 yds or so away from my house. I checked under the hood this morning and I noticed that the serpentine belt was just kind of laying there. I started looking around in the engine and noticed that the PS pulley was sticking out further than it should have been. I tugged on it, and not only did the pulley slide right out but the guts of my PS pump came with it. Did I get a bad pump?

GTP Dad

Welcome to AF!!

If the pulley and the guts of a new pump pulled out then you bought a bad pump. It should have a guarantee so go back to where you purchased it. Make absolutely certain that the next time you change the pump that you bleed the air out of the system once you install it. This will make it steer easier and the squeak will go away.

mtande4

Thank you for the welcome and the response...not to be a bleedin' idiot (I won't get banned from the forum for making bad puns, will I?), but how do you bleed the power steering pump? To add to my joy, I would have had my pump off in ten minutes but my lower bolt appears to be completely stuck. After laying on the frozen ground for a few hours wrestling with it I just gave up so I could go inside and thaw out my love handles...

BNaylor

Visit our Tips & Maintenance forum which has a procedure to bleed air of of the power steering system which includes the rack and pinion. See link below.

Click here

No ban for bad jokes or puns. However, personal attacks or flaming a member or Moderator may.

__________________

'08 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP - LS4 5.3L V8
'02 Oldsmobile Alero GL2 - LA1 3400 V6
'01 Buick Regal GS - L67 Series II 3800 V6 Supercharged
'99 Buick Regal LS - L36 Series II 3800 V6
'03 Honda CR250R MX - 2 Stroke 250cc
'97 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP - L67 Series II 3800 V6 Supercharged
Timeslip 08/12/06

AF Community Guidelines