power steering pump question

**oharam** · 12-02-2011, 03:19 AM

i have 141K on original, and it is starting to pulsate while driving and turning. it also started making the typical whine, my question is, is it worth to try and rebuild it, or nust get a new pump without the resevoir? i want to keep cost down, so when i go for the entire engine build i can put everything new.

thanks guys!

**pajeff02** · 12-02-2011, 03:40 AM

Have you ever replaced the fluid?

**oharam** · 12-02-2011, 01:43 PM

I have not replaced the fluid, just topped it off when needed. I did notice that it was about half full this morning, which is lower than it was about a month ago. I have not noticed any fluid on my garage floor. what is the easiest way to change the fluid?

thanks!

**pajeff02** · 12-02-2011, 01:58 PM

Is your car equipped with a power steering cooler in the upper radiator hose?

**Danger731** · 12-02-2011, 02:20 PM

^ I don't know if 99's had PSC's. I am planning on bypassing mine for the winter then installing a better one up front. As for the orininal poster:

Try switchin out the fluid, suction out, fill, go lock to lock, suction out, fill... do that several times till it looks ok, usually 4 to 5 times. If it is still an issue it may be the pump, or it may be getting air. Stop the car and look to see if it is boiling next time. If it isn't boiling then it may be fluid or the pump. These PS systems are a pita. I'm on my 4th. I would just replace the pump, the resevoir should be fine. The pulley is a pita.

**Lunatikgixxer** · 12-02-2011, 05:30 PM

id try swapping out the fluid and if it still continues to whine just replace it..

**KahanaReef** · 12-02-2011, 05:41 PM

When I bought my car, I was having a similar issue. I took it down and my mechanic, mechanically flushed it. He said it was so dirty, he had to do it twice. It's been great ever since. No more issues. That was over 3 years ago

**oharam** · 12-03-2011, 08:53 AM

I'm going to try the fluid change out tomorrow, and see how it handles after that.

thanks for the help guys!

**Lunatikgixxer** · 12-03-2011, 09:26 AM

If you havent changed it in awhile try to change it out a few times to get rid of the bad fluid completely

**pajeff02** · 12-03-2011, 02:16 PM

I use a turkey baster to suction out fluids all the time. It drips a bit, but otherwise works perfect for things like the power steering reservoir, brake fluid and such.

**oharam** · 12-03-2011, 06:52 PM

i did use the turkey baster and had to do the power steering res 3 time, and will do it again in a week or two. i re did the brake master cylinder and that is looking good. i did realize when i filled it up yesterday (PS pump) that i filled it to much and when it built up pressure it pushed thru the cap seal. took it for a ride tonight and it looks like its doing better, i dont have that shimmy in the steering now.

again, thanks for the help everyone!