Power Steering problem - not pump :(
dkitty
07-12-2006, 11:09 PM
Ok, here's an issue for you to ponder...
Last month, my car (1996 talon ESI) began to make that horrible squeal and lack of power steering associated with a dying pump on startup (also, the belt would stop moving entirely when turning). Then, when i started driving, the P/S seems ok... but the steering colum makes these horrible low groans and wierd squeeks over the smallest bumps/turns.. that sound like suspension. This process happened slowly and built over time. First the high pitched squeel on turning tight corners, then the low grind later. You might remember a post about this.
Ok.. so i replace the power steering pump. Every little sound goes away... For a day. So i know this is all related somehow.
Then the symptoms return. Squeeling on startup, a low creaking groan (we are talking LOUD) and something that almost sounds like suspension problems over every bump (like a door creaking very loudly when i turn the wheel just a tiny bit). I know this is all tied somehow into the power steering issue, since it went away entirely for a good 24 hours before returning.
I also replaced the P/S fluid too. Someone i know seems to think it's the power steering cylinder/piston getting stuck somehow, but i'm not entirely sure. Someone else mentioned the rack and pinion. Any idea?
Last month, my car (1996 talon ESI) began to make that horrible squeal and lack of power steering associated with a dying pump on startup (also, the belt would stop moving entirely when turning). Then, when i started driving, the P/S seems ok... but the steering colum makes these horrible low groans and wierd squeeks over the smallest bumps/turns.. that sound like suspension. This process happened slowly and built over time. First the high pitched squeel on turning tight corners, then the low grind later. You might remember a post about this.
Ok.. so i replace the power steering pump. Every little sound goes away... For a day. So i know this is all related somehow.
Then the symptoms return. Squeeling on startup, a low creaking groan (we are talking LOUD) and something that almost sounds like suspension problems over every bump (like a door creaking very loudly when i turn the wheel just a tiny bit). I know this is all tied somehow into the power steering issue, since it went away entirely for a good 24 hours before returning.
I also replaced the P/S fluid too. Someone i know seems to think it's the power steering cylinder/piston getting stuck somehow, but i'm not entirely sure. Someone else mentioned the rack and pinion. Any idea?
Thor06
07-12-2006, 11:33 PM
Did you tighten the pump enough so its not moving when you tension the belt?
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