DMPesso

Wassup CL I have an 01 GS430 with 125k and was wondering if this is the pump that needs replacement since its an old car? Basically when I'm parking the steering really stiffens up more that normal and makes it kinda hard to turn. I drove a 3GS and it was very light on the steering wheel which I feel like its supposed to be but I never had my 2GS new so I'm not sure. Does anyone know if changing the power steering pump would make the steering easy to turn and like new again? Or can it be something else? Anybody who changed their pump or know about this chime in please. Thanks!

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

yes..............

clos430

iTrader: (21)

You can't compare the steering on the 3GS to the 2GS. 3GS have electric steering racks as ours are hydraulic.
Any noises when turning or leaks ?
Bad ball joints also affect turning effort, might want to check your front end.

DMPesso

Aha good point didnt know that they changed the rack on the 3. The ball joints were changed about 30k miles ago and I've gotten alot of front end work done all the arms and tie rods done with those new ball joints and I heard the ball joints can be easily ruined of the mechanic isn't doing something right installing another piece if anyone can confirm this? Also what's funny is only over this one speed bump that sticks up alot if I go over it slowly it makes a clunking noise and everything in the front end is new so could that be the ball joint also?

DMPesso

I don't hear any noises really. Anyone know how much labor would be to change the pump? 01 gs430

sakataj

iTrader: (182)

john, you cant definitely say yes....you havent seen it so you dont know whats wrong.

DMPesso

Is it hard to change the ps pump? How many of you guys have done it? And what difference did it make in the way the car drives. I think the pump is my issue as the steering gets hard to turn when I'm parked and there's no RPMS

FrankT

LOL
...when there is no RPMs the pump is not operating as it runs off the serpentine belt.
Why are you trying to steer the car when you are parked?

DMPesso

Very funny but no it would be just trying to park and you have to turn the wheel or making a u turn for instance and your parked and turning the wheel all the way to one side. It gets very hard sometimes almost as if no power steering. So can u guys please confirm if the hard to turn wheel when parked is the power steering pump? Or something else? I know the pump is a wear and tear item on mos cars so what about ours? Who changed it and what difference did it make for you?

Gtepowered

I have almost the same problem.
I bought the new OEM pump and used steering rack, but it didn't change anything. I also disconnected the pin # 5 (speed) from Power Steering ECU and it became easier to spin the steering wheel especially noticeable at speeds above 40.
me too( but GS2 300 '01 of my neighbor doesn't have such problems

DMPesso

So your saying the issue went away by disconnected that fuse? Then that proves its the speed sensitive steering acting up