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Power Steering going?

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Old 03-19-14, 09:17 PM
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ashtray
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Default Power Steering going?

So I still have power steering. It has not gotten harder to turn or anything. I've had it rebuilt once for a leak about 3 years ago. I've looked and the fluids seem fine and there are no puddles under my car anywhere. It's a very loud whine almost like small gears grinding. What is it? It mainly happens when I go over bumps or incline angles or turn the wheel while not moving. I could even be holding the wheel straight and if I go over a bump it makes the whine sound.

Should I delete power steering? What are the pros cons to that? and which is cheaper depending on what my problem is? Thanks.
Old 03-20-14, 06:54 AM
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Studiogeek
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Turn car off, unlock steering wheel, turn wheel lock to lock 10 times.
Decide if you want to delete PS after that (unless I am missing something).

I'd suggest finding the problem and fixing it.
Old 03-20-14, 04:06 PM
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ashtray
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I'd like to find the problem and fix it. I just don't even know how to start looking. Any pointers on troubleshooting this?
Old 03-20-14, 04:08 PM
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On a side note I do need inner tie rods. Curious how much of a roll this or may not play.
Old 03-22-14, 08:00 AM
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The baffling data point to me is the sound getting worse over bumps. If it were not for that, I'd suspect just air in the system. Did you bleed the system well? How does your fluid look? Is it bright red or brownish. If brown, flush it well and bleed it well. That may do it.
If fluid is bright, it could be your pump.
Get under there and inspect all PS components for leaks. Make sure your alternator is dry or that will go next.

DISCLAIMER: I am far from a mechanic, but reading posts by the excellent troubleshooters here is making my guess work a bit better. Hopefully others with experience will chime in.

Good luck!

Last edited by Studiogeek; 03-22-14 at 09:04 AM.
Old 03-24-14, 05:07 AM
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Any update Ashtray?
You back in business yet?
Old 03-24-14, 10:42 AM
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So I put some ATF in the system and the noise is gone even over bumps. I doubt it is the pump because that was rebuilt about only 25k ago. There is still a SLIGHT whine as if air is getting in the system. When I have free time I'll get under the car. So far I've only been able to inspect from the engine bay and everything looks fine from in there. Just happy the noise is gone for the moment.
Old 03-24-14, 03:13 PM
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Nice!........
Old 03-24-14, 04:14 PM
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Okay so I inspected the engine bay a little further and noticed that there is a leak on to the alternator plug. It seems to be coming from that metal shield under the distributor as that thing looks filthy.
Old 03-26-14, 02:09 PM
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HELP!. It is leaking onto my alternator and I have NO money to get this fixed at a shop. I need recommendations. Can I do this job by my self what all is involved?
Old 03-27-14, 01:29 PM
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So my power steering is leaking AND so is my distributor. I hope it's just the o-ring thats something I can handle on my own. I care more about that right now because of the alternator. I can just keep refilling the powersteering
Old 03-31-14, 10:51 AM
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So a friend and I did that O-ring DIY from on here. Honestly took less than 45 minutes. My biggest tip is to just MARK EVERYTHING that is subject to movement once the cap is off. Then, when you're putting it all back together if everthing reallignes then you're good. No need for a timing light at all. The oil leak is fixed and honestly my powersteering leak has disappeared or I dont know what happened. I filled it about 2 weeks ago and to still this day it is filled perfectly. Thanks. Over and out.
Old 03-31-14, 11:40 AM
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Thumbs up. I'm currently working on 02 sc430 power steering. I changed the pump and have bled it for over an hour and it's still hard as hell. It doesn't whine or make noise or anything? It just gets super hard to turn unless my foot is on the gas pedal. Doesn't matter if it's in park or drive, rolling or not, If my foot is not on the gas pedal, hard as hell to turn.
Old 04-01-14, 08:29 AM
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Kudos to studiogeek, you've come a long way man.
Old 04-05-14, 12:49 PM
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Thumbs up

Originally Posted by Vrank
Kudos to studiogeek, you've come a long way man.
Thank you Vrank! Means a lot coming from you!
Your posts have helped me learn BIG TIME!

Thanks for the help learning!
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