Steering noise

[masonvonritchie]

My steering has been making some pretty awesome groaning noises when I turn the wheels while going slowly, like when parking, or when the car is at a stop. I haven't heard it make any noise while I'm going faster. Fluid is good. It isn't any harder to steer or anything like that. It's just making noise. Ideas?

[Blizzard242]

Re: Steering noise

Your pump is going out. It's harder for the pump to turn the wheels when you're not moving hence why you hear these sounds when you're stopped. Ever try to drive a car without power steering? It's hard as hell to turn the wheel unless you're moving. As a general rule of thumb, I try my best to not turn the wheel until I'm moving. It's easier on the pump and tires.

[nimrod.sixty9]

Re: Steering noise

That def a dieing pump. Id be prepared if I were you.

This is a good time to replace it cause its no fun when your relaxing during turn and then all of a sudden you cant do it. I would consider it dangerous because you wont expect it.

[masonvonritchie]

Re: Steering noise

I was afraid I would get that response. I guess I'll start looking at how to change out the pump.

[ssms5411]

Re: Steering noise

^ X2 but the Pump swap is easy 2 bolts for the pump and remove hoses, take pulley off and put it on the new pump reinstall (will have to take your old pump back for a core charge most likely), fill the res. up. Turn the wheel all the way left and then right and check res. again.

[masonvonritchie]

Re: Steering noise

Well if that's all that's involved, then I'm relieved. I was expecting it to be harder than that. How much do pumps usually cost?

[ssms5411]

Re: Steering noise

I think mine was $100 for the pump plus 40 for core charge, so $100. The 2 bolts you have to spin the pulley to get to them, then just use a puller to pull the old pulley off and I used a vise to install it on the new pump. Just make sure the pulley is alligned right which just look at the old one before you pull the pulley and see how far it is on. makes it alot easier.