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Steering Pump or Rack ?


JimyJames
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And make sure there is sufficient fluid in the reservoir.

 

Certainly do this. That's a given. Note that low fluid level will tend to cause a constant whine at all speeds, getting substantially louder when the steering is cranked hard against the stops. The intermittent squeal is probably the belt.

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Thanks for the replies, I'm an ok mechanic and I'd say if the rack doesn't squeal then its the pump. Belts are solid and the squeals also are followed by stiff wheel and studder in the wheel when in a tight turn or pulling out of a parking spot. The fluid is a little fried too, I've been monitoring the levels of the fluid and nothing has fluctuated as if it was a leak. I've just never had to work with a rack an pinion but it seems like an easy fix either it be the pump or the rack.

Edited by JimyJames
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Thanks for the replies, I'm an ok mechanic and I'd say if the rack doesn't squeal then its the pump. Belts are solid and the squeals also are followed by stiff wheel and studder in the wheel when in a tight turn or pulling out of a parking spot. The fluid is a little fried too, I've been monitoring the levels of the fluid and nothing has fluctuated as if it was a leak. I've just never had to work with a rack an pinion but it seems like an easy fix either it be the pump or the rack.

 

The rack is not so easy to replace compared to the pump or belt so might wanna make sure that is the issue first. Usually they build the cars so the rack can be loosened and pulled out one side or the other. Not sure if the new rack would come with tie rod ends but would be a good time to replace them. Once you get new one in it's time to do a poor mans alignment so you can get down and have it aligned properly.

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A bad pump doesn't usually make a squealing sound. It makes more of a whine. The belt may appear OK, but just might be a little loose. On the other hand, if the pump is seizing, then the belt will definitely squeal (but not because it's loose). Does the same sound happen if you crank and hold the wheel hard full left or right? Have someone turn the wheel while you take a look at the pulley and see if you can isolate the sound. You might also try flushing the fluid before replacing the pump unless you're certain the pump is bad.

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A bad pump doesn't usually make a squealing sound. It makes more of a whine. The belt may appear OK, but just might be a little loose. On the other hand, if the pump is seizing, then the belt will definitely squeal (but not because it's loose). Does the same sound happen if you crank and hold the wheel hard full left or right? Have someone turn the wheel while you take a look at the pulley and see if you can isolate the sound. You might also try flushing the fluid before replacing the pump unless you're certain the pump is bad.

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I'll give the belt a closer look. I can imagine a loose belt would cause a drop in psi charge to the pump. It does squeal at full lock either way the wheel is turned. I'll flush it when it stops snowing out here, hopefully it'll resolve. I've done cv axels so rack an pinion isn't too bad an the pump seems pretty accessible after the fan components are cleared

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Anything causing the belt to slip causes squeal, so looseness, glazing, hardness due to age. Check these first. If there is an idler pulley on that belt, check it too. Bad bearings on the idler can also squeal.

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Thanks all who gave me feed back. I double checked the steering pump belt when the snow let up and it was a tad loose. I tightened it and it seems to have alleviated the squeal and the stiff wheel on turn. Still need a fluid swap though the fluid is pretty toasty. Ill keep it monitored and see if anything else arises.

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