New PS Pump, Still Whining and Vibration

[Marccus]

'89 SHO MTX 390,000 mi (approx)

I installed a new power steering pump about a month ago. I think that should be enough time to get all the air out.

I'm still getting some whining noise and that typical vibration or "rough" feeling when turning the wheel especially at the limits of the steering.

This is my third PS pumps (including stock) and I don't remember experiencing this problem after I installed the last one.

Is it time to replace the Power Steering Rack?

What are the symptoms that the PS rack needs replacement?

 

[fitefanSHO]

I was getting symptoms similar to what you are describing and so I replaced the PS pump because everyone, including myself, seemed to think that's what it was. So, the PS pump went in and the whining and the steering groan continued. I was like, WTF?

The whine turned out to be an idler pulley and the groan was the upper strut mount, passenger side.

Not sure if that will help but good luck. Damn that's a lot of miles. I hope I can get that far. I'm almost half way there.

 

[93silverbulletSH0]

There could still be air trapped in the system. To make sure there is no air in there put a shop vac hose over the open reservoir, turn on the shop vac, start up the car and turn the wheel back and forth.

 

[Yamaha V6]

Took about a month of infrequent driving to get the last couple of bubbles out of the system after installing my 91's new rack, FWIW.

 

[Marccus]

Ahhhh ...

The "whine" I get varies with the engine rpm, almost like a whistling. So it's probably the idler pully like you said. Because the intensity of the whine did not change when the new PS pump was installed.

I've taken the idler pully out before, and when I turn it and put in up to my ear, it sounds like rocks are tumbling inside the bearing.

So does one have to just replace the idler pully bearing? or buy a new pully wheel.

Shonut has this bearing for sale, but I don't know how to pull the old one out and install a new one - do you need a special tool?

Also Chris Chrimes did some work on my clutch and stated that my front struts were toast.

So all he symptoms seem to be like yours.

You stated "upper strut mount, passenger side". Is this a separate, purchaseable item from the strut.

I have a strut tower brace, should that prevent any mount problems?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Marccus]

There could still be air trapped in the system. To make sure there is no air in there put a shop vac hose over the open reservoir, turn on the shop vac, start up the car and turn the wheel back and forth.

OK. I've read that this is the proper way of removing air. I'll give it a try.

Thanks.

 

[Marccus]

Took about a month of infrequent driving to get the last couple of bubbles out of the system after installing my 91's new rack, FWIW.

Is it very difficult to replace the rack?

Are there any special instructions to remover and install, or is it obvious by looking at it how to remove it.

Thanks.

 

[zak]

Frozen up tie rod ends can cause a pretty loud power steering whine - try turning them by hand while the car is on the ground. If you can barely move them (or not at all), r&r them. If they are realy sloppy, sometimes they can "stick" in a position that makes the power steering work hard as well (r&r again). They should glide smooth. zak

 

[fitefanSHO]

Ahhhh ...

The "whine" I get varies with the engine rpm, almost like a whistling. So it's probably the idler pully like you said. Because the intensity of the whine did not change when the new PS pump was installed.

I've taken the idler pully out before, and when I turn it and put in up to my ear, it sounds like rocks are tumbling inside the bearing.

So does one have to just replace the idler pully bearing? or buy a new pully wheel.

Shonut has this bearing for sale, but I don't know how to pull the old one out and install a new one - do you need a special tool?

Also Chris Chrimes did some work on my clutch and stated that my front struts were toast.

So all he symptoms seem to be like yours.

You stated "upper strut mount, passenger side". Is this a separate, purchaseable item from the strut.

I have a strut tower brace, should that prevent any mount problems?

Thanks for your help.

Honestly, I don't have the specific answers to your questions. The shop who did my work said they replaced the idler pulley to quiet the whine and replaced the upper strut mount to silence the groan. Maybe others on here could provide the technical assistance you're looking for. Good luck.

 

[93rev2sev]

MARCCUS,

Try the Junk yard for a pully AND get a new bearing from SHONUT.

if the junk yard pully helps, Have the new bearing pressed into your old pully(machine shop will certainly be able...) ...Then you will have a spare idler pully when you need it.

Other technique is to stick the bearing in the freezer and the pully in the oven. Then, use a large c-clamp and a socket or something to press the cold bearing into the hot pully(Use heavy gloves when handling the hot pully). When finished, drop the whole thing into some antifreeze to equalize the temps, then spray it down with MILD solvent, Spray the back of the bearing with lithium grease and reinstall.

Strut mounts and bearings are a little bit more involved...