Power Steering Pump Whine

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akarilo

akarilo

Joined
Jan 19, 2006
Threads
254
Messages
2,013
Location
Tulsa, OK
Website
www.cardomain.com
Lately my power steering pump has been whining (increases with rpm) like one does when low on fluid. The fluid level is not low, the pump seems to be working as well as it ever has, and there are no signs of a massive leak, it's always dripped a little here and there though. I know a few things about vehicles but I don't know jack about power steering pumps. Any ideas?
 
I had that same problem all winter. It is definitely the pump and I replaced it to end the wine. I ordered a remanufactured unit. Just Google search 80 series power steering pump and you'll be golden. It is a pretty easy job. Good luck.
 
Any leak in the system will cause a whine under heavy load. It causes foam to build in system which the pump doesn't like. If it's doing it right from the start then I would guess the pump. I recently rebuilt mine with all Mr T Parts. about $75 for everything including bearing and block seal. Also flushed and filled with amsoil extreme duty ps fluid. Check you high pressure line for leaks. Change all low pressure linesx while in there. FSM has really good instructions. But on the other hand you could take a chance with an aftermarket.
 
If the fluid is old, first step is to flush it. If it's now old or was run with old fluid, chances are the screen in the bottom of the reservoir is gunked, needs to be cleaned. The pumps are great at pumping, not so good at sucking, if the intake is restricted it will whine.
 
Which ever route you take. Either rebuild or replace. Make sure to measure the distance of the gear wrt the shaft. Otherwise, you will have a very annoying noise.
 
Chased my whine and bubbling over for a while...ended up being the screen. You can carefully pry the tabs up on the reservoir to get to the screen. There is a thread here somewhere on it. Be careful. ..the screen is thin and easy to damage.
 
Rebuilt mine. Perfect learning experience. Went with the Gates Kit for $15 which is to OEM Specs.
Replaced the Hose from Reservoir to pump with a piece of 5/8 Gates Oil Line. Took an afternoon to rebuild and you do need a 12 point socket as CDan says.
A vise and pneumatic make the job real easy. I would have a spare bearing, but my bearing was fine. I replaced with a SKF from Ebay.
I would not remove the fins in the rotor and kept that unit together.
Buy 1 quart of Synthetic oil to refill. It's like $5 and change. Get some brake cleaner too to clean everything real good along with an old toothbrush.
Rebuild on a clean table with a piece of poster board to keep everything clean and you can write the order and any notes as you take apart.
A digital camera will help too if your nervous.
 
So, I drained/filled the entire system and attempted to "back flush" the reservoir with carb cleaner and a compressor. Fluid is all pretty and red now, but it still whines :(.
 
Did you bleed it? Jack up the front end and turn the wheels back and forth. Get out all the bubbles. You can open the reservoir and see bubbles coming out as you turn the tires. Go slow or be prepared to clean up brake fluid. Keep doing it until there are no more bubbles. Grab a beer:beer:, it might take a while.

Any leaks? I rebuilt mine... Lots of threads on that as well. Everything is pretty straight forward. Only a few tough points; Getting the banjo bolt off, getting the ring off the back of the pump, and being very careful to get the gear set just right and without gauging it. If you set the gear too high or gauge it taking it off, you will have a noticeable tick that could damage your flywheel.

Mine used to whine when it was low. It had a slow leak but eventually it was full and still whining. Rebuilt the pump, new high and low pressure lines, bled it, and was still having cavitation (bubbles). Someone suggested the screen and wouldn't you know it, the easiest thing I had done in a week. I took that pump off too many times to count. Start with leaks and the easy stuff.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/fj80-and-lx450-ps-pump-rebuild.467550/

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/power-steering-pump-and-hose-replacement-faq.201920/

If you decide to change the pump or rebuild yours, these two threads are invaluable.
 
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