Power steering pump shaking car?

[Mike75]

Could my power steering pump be what is making my car shake when idling and turning the wheel left and right? The fluid level appears to be fine, so idk (I've never changed it). Some dude told me that it might be what my problem is, after looking at it.

I'm not sure what kind of authority he is on the matter, so I figured I'd ask you guys first.

I have had this car for only 3 months, and am slowly finding things that got screwed up in an accident it was in. I initially thought the shaking was from a busted mount, and even did the self test that you guys taught me (thanks again for that). I DID see the engine rise slightly on the drivers side while power braking, but isn't a very slight lift normal? I looked at the mount and it looked fine, although I understand that it may be hard to see if it's bad.

So anyways, do you guys think that the power steering pump might be my problem? I'd rather rule out everything before dishing out cash on a set of mounts if I don't have to.

Thanks in advance!

[flewthecoupe]

The engine should rise about an inch or less. If it's broken it will rise 3" or more. Does the steering wheel get really hard to turn when the shaking occurs?

[Mike75]

Okay, that's good to know. The engine did not even raise an inch.

As for the steering - now that I think about it, it does get more difficult to turn when the shaking happens.

And just to specify, it does NOT shake when I'm driving at normal speeds (5 mph and up). It only does the shakes when there is more resistance, such as when I am stopped at a red light with my car in drive and turning the wheel left or right, parking my car in forward AND reverse, or when I am in park and I turn the wheel left or right.

It's only when I am turning the wheel at very low or no speed that this almost violent shaking occurs.

Thanks man!

[Mike75]

Okay, now I'm back to thinking it's not the pump that's causing the shaking. Because I turned the AC on today (which I rarely do) while waiting at a red light, and the same, violent shaking started happening. Does this sound like a motor mount to you? Thanks!

[thunderbird muscle]

Don't sound like a mount. If it does it with the steering and ac I would think it would be something on the belt line. I'm not sure I hope someone can help you.

[Mike75]

Oooh...interesting. Thanks, bro - I hope so too.

[flewthecoupe]

Check the clutch and pulley assembly on your a/c compressor. If it's going bad (bearings) it could do that.

[Mike75]

Will do...I'll let you know. Thanks guys!

[tuglife03]

im having the exact same problem with my 96 cougar xr7. can anyone help me. shaking in the steering wheel and car overall when idling. and when i turn the steering wheel. i changed the spark plugs, wasn't that. now i dont know what it is, i think it might be a dirty fieul injection.

[Mike75]

If you are having the same problem as I am, then you need to start looking at other things. It shouldnt have anything at all to do with the fuel system.

My steering wheel is not shaking - my turning the wheel while idling is CAUSING the violent shaking. As is using the AC, etc., while idling or just at low rpm's.

While you're at it, however, be sure to change your fuel filter. It gets overlooked way too often by a lot of people.

[tuglife03]

im pretty sure its the motor mount now. will reply

[Car Pal]

if you have air in the system it will shake on turns.
some time if there is a leak it can be internal like the rack seals.when they leak you can see fluid coming out of the rubber boots.

[Mike75]

Should I try bleeding the system as described in my Haynes manual? Thanks.

Still haven't looked into the AC clutch yet - been too broke!

[ica123]

Hey I had the same problem with my 91' bird, where it would shake real bad around 2000-3000 rpms. After chasing it for a while I found out that the harmonic balancer had gone out about 90 degrees. So check that. It could possibly be the prob. Also check the disstributer/rotor if thats bad it will also make it seem that the car is misfireing or shaking real bad.

[Mike75]

Thanks man - I'll look into that. I had the harmonic balancer go out on my '86 T-Bird back in highschool, but don't really remember the symptoms. I'll check into it. Thanks a lot!