Noisy Power Steering Pump on 87 Max

Feb 16, 2006 3 Replies

I have a noisy power steering pump on an 87 Max with 63 K miles. The power steering was professionally serviced by replacing the leaking supply hose and bleeding the system about 1yr ago. It has worked fine up until recently. Now the pump noise has returned, but the power steering works without a problem. I have tried bleeding the system of air according to the manual by turning the wheels lock-to-lock with the front end off the ground. There doesn't look like there are any leaks in the system, but a couple of hose coupling points have oil stains without an dripping leak. They are all tight. Any ideas? A cracked supply hose that is letting in air?



TIA


- when does the noise start: / turning / always / cold / hot ?????

- low miles, hi age typically means cracking rubber. Exercise (vibration) keeps rubber healthy.

- listen to pump bearings. Use stet-hos-cope: place long screwdriver on pump, ear on handle

- take reservoir sieve out and check oil condition. Full of bubbles?

Noise happens at any speed above idle (850 rpm). Turning or temp does not the noise. Stethoscope confirms noise at pump. Other components checked are idler pulleys, alternator, water pump, a/c pulley, and t-belt. Reservoir is in not full of bubbles.

keeps rubber healthy.

pump, ear on handle

Noise happens at any speed ... In ten years, any bearing vaseline will 'transform to hard plastics'. What happens in 20yrs? Anyways lubrication characteristics surely becomes somewhat limited, bearings seize...

Solutions?:

- earplugs

- pump out: repair bearings or new pump in

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