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Supercharger causing power steering pump failure

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Old Jul 13, 2006 | 06:12 PM
  #1  
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Default Supercharger causing power steering pump failure

Looking for answers to 2 power steering pump failures. '98 and '00 GS 400 with RMM Supercharger (same kit on 2 different cars). Both cars had pumps go bad. One after 20K FI miles, the other with 10K FI miles. Nothing wild about the install, 3.33 pulley, dynoed at 339 RWHP. Anybody else with RMM kit having these problems? Belt too tight? Thanks for the help. Mike in Louisville
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Old Jul 14, 2006 | 06:37 AM
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Belt too tight would do it.
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Old Jul 14, 2006 | 09:17 AM
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did you change your fluids more often?
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Old Jul 14, 2006 | 10:47 AM
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Pwr steering fluid changed once during period w/supercharger. I think probably too much muscle used in belt tightening. Thanks for the replies.
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Old Jul 14, 2006 | 10:58 AM
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Where is the failure? A seal on the pulley shaft?
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Old Jul 14, 2006 | 01:17 PM
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can you describe the symtoms. was there leaking of any kind? fluid color? burnt fluid smell?weird noises? vortech recommends tightening the belt with 1/4 inch play.
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Old Jul 17, 2006 | 03:50 PM
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Mine ended up causing a leak in my steering line. Had a custom one made but I don't think I got it in time. Now mine whines. Mine was also with the RMM kit.

Jonny
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Old Jul 19, 2006 | 07:33 PM
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Red face Power Steering Pump

Oh this is great.

So the RMM SC wears out the Power Steering Pump


First the dealership tells me to change the power steering fluid, I put them off thinking it is not that serious., and they are just trying to make some cash.
Then my wife moves my car the other day and tells me my power steering pump is making funny noises.

I know it is making some noise and I have been intending to change the fluid.
I have been working a lot and find time is hard to come by.
I bet I could change the fluid myself. It is probably pretty simple.

Does changing the fluid do much good. Would it get rid of the minor noise I hear.

I've also been thinking maybe I would just replace the power steering pump

Unfortunately I am in a temporary bad spot for extra money.

I'm about a month away from having the funds to be able to replace the pump

Oh by the way I have the RMM SC and running the 3.33 pulley. 360rwhp

So do you guys think I should do either one or both.


Ivan
3dog
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Old Jul 19, 2006 | 07:44 PM
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Originally Posted by 3dog
Oh this is great.

So the RMM SC wears out the Power Steering Pump


First the dealership tells me to change the power steering fluid, I put them off thinking it is not that serious., and they are just trying to make some cash.
Then my wife moves my car the other day and tells me my power steering pump is making funny noises.

I know it is making some noise and I have been intending to change the fluid.
I have been working a lot and find time is hard to come by.
I bet I could change the fluid myself. It is probably pretty simple.

Does changing the fluid do much good. Would it get rid of the minor noise I hear.

I've also been thinking maybe I would just replace the power steering pump

Unfortunately I am in a temporary bad spot for extra money.

I'm about a month away from having the funds to be able to replace the pump

Oh by the way I have the RMM SC and running the 3.33 pulley. 360rwhp

So do you guys think I should do either one or both.


Ivan
3dog

You might be able to save the pump or get it to last a little longer with some additive oils like from Lucas.

In the end, if a bearing makes noise, it is already damaged to some extent, so then it's just a question of how much time you have.

Def need to make sure the pulley belt is tightened no more than spec.

For those who are adventurous, I'd wonder if someone could find a shop that could re-build the pump and perhaps install a bearing that could withstand the increased tension.
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Old Jul 19, 2006 | 07:44 PM
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try changing out the fluid to see if the noises go away. cheaper that way.
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Old Jul 20, 2006 | 06:19 PM
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Red face Power Steering Fluid

Well guys give me the stupid award.
This is embarassing.

I decided today that I should look and see if the fluid smelled burnt or if I could figure anything else out.

Well upon opening the hood I immediately noticed there was no fluid in the power steering
reservoir. I put some fluid in that I had on hand and the noise went away.

I need to examine further and see where the fluid is escaping from. This happened once before and was solved just by tightening up a clamp.


Hopefully I have not damaged the pump to much. I'm sure that does it no good.

Thanks for putting up with me.

Ivan
3dog
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Old Jul 20, 2006 | 08:14 PM
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Watch your steering rack closely to see if you've blown a seal. That's what ended up happening to me. I never put it down to the S/C though.
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Old Jul 21, 2006 | 08:14 AM
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i use lucas oil in my tranny.. in my power steering.. in my oil and in my rear end.. i used it everywhere..... i likw it... it gives me that lil reassurance thats everything is getting lubricated thoroughly.. i'd say buy some lucas and drain some power steering fluid and put a good amount of lucas oil... infact i'm not 100% sure but lucas may make a flid juts for power steering.. not sure tho.. check up on it
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Old Jul 22, 2006 | 04:36 PM
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Red face Power Steering Fluid

Looks like it was coming out of one of the hoses. I tightened the clamp, I hope that takes care of it.

Thanks for the advice I will check the power steering rack also.

Hey thanks for not blasting me about letting it go dry.

Ivan
3dog
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Old Dec 23, 2006 | 09:49 AM
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Anyone replace their power steering pump?? How long does it take??

Jonny
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