PS pump risk assessment
What are the odds that a power steering pump that leaks and squeaks
when it's cold and loaded up (e.g. parking lot maneuvering right
after startup on a cold day) is going to fail catastrophically? I
was planning on not going out of town until I have a chance to
replace it (which I was going to procrastinate until the next oil
change), but now I may be tempted to make the 1100mi round trip to
visit a friend in Colorado next weekend since the forecast is
indicating that my original plan to fly out there may not be
feasible. Thoughts? Has anyone seen one of these pumps seize
completely while operating?
Joe Elliott
'88 S4
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Hi Joe,
Leaking is not common, but it happens. Many times its a hose, link, or seal. The
squeaking could be something you have not looked at. Here's what I had.
The car started to make squeaking sounds, typically when at low speed. Speed
varied with engine rpm and went away shortly after warming up the engine. It
came and went from time to time. I ignored it at first, but as it stayed on
longer and went louder at some point I started to worry. It sounded like some
bearing is giving up and getting stuck. Checked every bearing I could think of
and all seemed ok. Thought about everything that could possibly go wrong and saw
myself pulling the engine (hehe... remember Walt...?)
As my worry grew, I noticed that it became louder while turning the steering
wheel when cold. It had a very good look at the steering pump, to see that the
pulley was loose. The pulley moved over the hub when cold, and due to heat it
seemed to luck up at some point. One bolt was broken and the others were loose.
It took an hour or so to remove the broken bolt with grip pliers, clean and
reassemble. Perfectly ever after.
Hope this helps resolve your (or someone else's) squeaking issue.
regards Theo
1992 928gts Midnight Blue (2006-)
1988 928s4 Cherry Red (1999-2006)
The Netherlands http://jenniskens.livedsl.nl
http://928gts.jenniskens.eu
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Joe,
I've rebuilt that unit and considering the design I don't think it will
seize. Haven't heard of it seizing, but if it runs dry it might.
Keep the fluid topped off. If the fluid starts to just run out then
remove (cut) the belt. If it does seize, then cut belt. The steering
will be heavy but will not leave you immobile.
Glen
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The squeaking is almost certainly coming from the belt slipping because of the
high load on the pump, not from bearing failure -- I don't think the bearing can
be un-lubricated while the system has fluid, and I've seen people drive a long
time, maybe weeks, with "no" fluid in the system (obviously, there was enough
left to keep the power steering pump bearing lubed, but no power assisted
steering and more leaking.
Ray (too much experience with poorly maintained cars)