High Pitch from Power Steering Pump

[ChrisJP]

There's a high pitch noise coming from the motor, increasing with RPM, that is very irritating, especially with top-up.

While changing the PolyRib belt, I run the motor for a couple seconds without belt, and oh, what a nice sweet guttural sound.

Seems like the sound is coming from the Power Steering Pump. I turned the pulley by hand without effort, but axis is very slightly loose.

What are the forum recommendations? Do I need to R&R the Power Steering Pump?

Edit: from web search, next steps involve spraying WD-40 on the bearing, inspect pulley edge (for visible rubbing from axial play), and steering fluid level.

Edited October 10, 2011 by ChrisJP

[logray]

Sounds like a good diagnosis of the issue to me, check the fluid level in the P/S pump. The pulley should not have noticeable play in it when moving it by hand.

I had this problem in a Jeep once, ignored it, and the P/S pump literally exploded on me while driving, covering the engine internals with P/S fluid. Had to get it towed 100 miles. Was not a fun experience, bad headaches for weeks due to the smell of burning P/S fluid.

[JFP in PA]

Unfortunately, if the pump is toast, you will need to replace it as parts are not available, and you should also flush out the lines and rack as well. Because these steering systems tend to build up heat, lack a cooler, have a rather small reservoir fluid volume, and are located in a spot that is inconvenient for periodic level checks; most of the time pump failures can be related to low fluid levels and/or hammered fluid. At a minimum, the fluid condition and level should be checked at least once a year, and the fluid should be changed as soon as it begins to look or smell bad.

[logray]

Just curious, does anyone have any experience with LN engineering's power steering cooler product?

http://www.lnengineering.com/store/catalog/inline-power-steering-cooler-m96m97-my9708-p-132.html

"...Do you find you are having consistent problems with power-steering fluid boil-over and pump cavitation? You may not even be aware that its happening until you see the drip make it to the floor, or have a steering groan and, at times, high steering effort ? Maybe you seem to have to add steering fluid often despite evidence of a leak. Then maybe it's time for adding a power steering cooler to your Boxster, Cayman, or 911..."

[JFP in PA]

Last time I checked, it was still a "developmental product", e.g.: not fully ready for prime time. The link on their website still goes no where as well. Biggest problem is where you would put an air to oil cooler as these cars are nearly completely covered underneath, and there is very little room up front as well.

We have a customer that set up his own using a laminar oil to water cooler from Mocal that seems to work. It connects to one of the engine coolant lines and the power steering lines under the car and is completely hidden behind the stock bottom panels.

http://208.109.215.2...es/laminova.pdf

Edited October 9, 2011 by JFP in PA

[ChrisJP]

Thanks guys, even if bad news.

I'm looking for a replacement.

UPDATE: I'm a lucky guy, turn out to be the upper pulley bearing.

check the fluid level in the P/S pump.

Level is at the lower part of the COLD indication, will check again with HOT engine.

the fluid should be changed as soon as it begins to look or smell bad.

Fluid looks like very slightly yellow (like thin oil). About the smell this is a tough one: a bit like new electronic device...Look OK to my eye (and nose....)

Overall I'm lucky as I found that the sound is coming from the upper pulley. Tried to remove it but couldn't get the long bolt out!!!??? Don't tell me that the motor has to get out to remove the pulley!

As I don't have a spare right now, I just spray W40 on the bearing and it's OK for now.

Final update: according to dealer, it's necessary to bend the place where the connector are located to get the bolt off..

Edited October 10, 2011 by ChrisJP