98 power steering noise

[tempfixit]

98 with 196k 3.0 engine

I have been flushing the power steering fluid with a baster and type F fluid. I have syphoned out just under 2 quarts and the fluid looks nice and red now, but still have the growling noise. Any suggestions or do I have to live with it until the pump dies.

thanks

[northern piper]

when I did mine last it took a day or two for the full reduction in noise to be realized. If it's been longer than that you may be right and a new pump could be in your future.

[grog11]

Try this before replacing the pump.

There is a vacuum down procedure using a hand vacuum pump applied to a special reservoir cap with the engine running a few minutes to purge air bubbles. Air bubbles get stuck in the system, causing the growling, the vacuum draws them to the top.

In a pinch, without a vacuum pump, you can actualy use a shop vacuum. Apply the tube to the opened reservoir cap, with a duct tape seal, or even wrapping a rag around it, running the engine a few minutes while vacuuming.

If the vacuum does not stop the growl, you probably looking at replacing the pump.

[wiswind]

Is this noise only when trying to turn the wheels?....if so, look into tight tie rod ends or ball joints......excessive wear or lack of lubrication can cause them to place a excessive load on the steering system when you are trying to turn.
If the sound is all the time (with engine running of course)....then it is likely a power steering system problem.
If you replace the power steering pump......use EXTRA care in dealing with the metal high pressure line where it connects to the power steering pump.
That is easy to cross thread....and is also a likely leak point.

To replace the power steering pump.....you will need a power steering pump pulley removal / installation tool.
If you try to bump the pulley onto the new pump.....you will likely damage the new pump......so use the tool, which will connect to the shaft....and pull the pulley off the old pump.....and so connected to the new pump....will push the pulley onto the new pump by applying NO stress to the bearings in the pump.

What I found worked best for me.......
Step 1 remove the serpentine belt from the engine and place out of the way....(make sure that you have a diagram on the routing FIRST....if not on the underside of the hood....look it up and print it out)
Step 2 remove the alternator.
Step 3, disconnect the lines to the power steering pump and resevoir.
Step 4, remove the 3 bolts that connect the cast alluminum bracket that holds the power steering pump and alternator to the motor......and remove the bracket and pump as 1 unit.
Then you can remove the 3 bolts that hold the power steering pump into the bracket.

Reverse the process to install the new pump.
Once you have all the fluid cleaned up.....THEN install the serpentine belt.
Remember.....
Flat side of serpentine belt goes ONLY on flat surfaced pulleys.......
Grooved side of serpentine belt goes ONLY on grooved surfaced pulleys.

Here is a link to a picture that shows my new pump next to the bracket, which still contains the old pump.
The 3 bolts that are sticking out of the bracket are the ones that hold the bracket to the motor.
You can see the 3 bolts that hold the pump to the bracket.

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1324...11220610safAZm

Thing is......I replaced this pump......was SURE that it was causing a "moaning" sound.....only to find out several months later.....when the SAME sound came back........that it was the idler pulley....which is mounted right next to the power steering pump and water pump.

[dariem]

On my 99 I had been having a "reh reh" noise for months when turning the wheels. After reading various forums, I was convinced the pump was going bad and would eventually need replacing. Before I could get around to it, I had to replace the front tires and get a front end alignment. Mechanic said tie rod ends needed replacing so I had him do it. After that, steering noise was gone.

[tempfixit]

Thanks guys for tips. The noise is only when I turn the wheels so I guess I need to check for binding tie rod ends. WIll post results when I get a chance to check out.

thanks

[wintonboy]

I have been having this same groaning noise for about two years. Ever since the steering ram leaked and was replaced, only to be replaced again a year later. I have been sucking and replacing the fluid with F-type every couple of months, but the fluid is still dirty and smells a little burnt. No problems with the handling, but am a bit afraid the dirty fluid or maybe entrained air, contributed the the failure of the ram. Is that a possibility?

[tempfixit]

wintonboy, from what I have read on this forum that the fluid for the steering gets hot and burns from a poor cooling design and heat from the exhaust.

I inspected the tie rod ends and ball joints today, the tie rod ends have been replaced and have grease zerks, which i greased and has weemed to help a little. The ball joints do ot have gearse zerks and the rubber boot on both are in very bad shape, I did get a needle for the grease gun and tryed greasing the bal joints but they the passenger side still squeaks when turning the wheel while in motion. HAS ANYONE EVER DRILLED A HOLE IN THE LOWER CAP ON THE BALL JOINTS AND ADDED GREASE ZERKS. Is there enough clearence to install a grease zerk??? There doesn't seem to be any play in the ball joints yet.

Thanks