PAS pump noise?

[jambo_gtir]

Hi guys,

I have done a search but can't really find an answer. My engine has recently developed a loud wining/grinding noise. Once i got under the bonnet and raced the engine a bit i can hear the noise coming from the left side of the engine. It sounds like it's coming from the power steering pump. Has anyone esle had this before?
Trouble is..... trying to get in close and check for sure is nightmare as you all know. My belt has recently started slipping when i first turn the engine on; perhaps it's related :?

 

[PobodY]

Yes, power steering pumps fail... and a failing pump can seize and/or cause excessive belt wear (I think this very problem killed two belts on Bob's car). - Or it could just be that you've got an old belt and it's slipping a bit on the pump pully.

 

[jambo_gtir]

cheers mate, thats what i thought. The belt is quite tight, and it started squeeling around the same time as the churning noise turned up. Im pretty sure it is the pump... ould be something silly like the adjustable bracket the pump sits on is loose and rattles the more i rev the engine. Perhaps tightening it up a bit might solve it..... i'll try at the weekend

 

[jjs]

they are noisey if the fluid level drops, or if there is air in the system also.. try taking the cap of the power steering tank and checking level, and also turning the steering wheel lock to lock a few times to see if there is any air in the system, and if you think it is the pump try geting a long screw driver and touching it onto the pump and put your ear top the screwdriver handle to see if the noise is coming from the pump, Jim.

 

[jambo_gtir]

cheers for that mate, i'll do that at the weekend.

 

[Fast Guy]

Have you checked the alternator bearing? They get noisy when failing.

When my p/s pump failed and all the oil leaked out it never made a sound. I only knew it had gone when the steering got heavy at slow speed.

 

[jambo_gtir]

Have you checked the alternator bearing? They get noisy when failing.

When my p/s pump failed and all the oil leaked out it never made a sound. I only knew it had gone when the steering got heavy at slow speed.

A few people at work have said that to me aswell; that the pump just leaks when it's gone but doesn't usually make a noise :?
I'll have to investigate at the weekend

 

[jambo_gtir]

I had a look this weekend and am worried it might be the water pump. Its a churning noise and sounds like fooked bearings to me. When i have a good listen i really can't be sure if it is the power steering pump or the water pump. Whats the worst that can happen if i keep driving it untill i can afford the time to drop engine again? I'm thinking that if it is the bearings on the water pump.... surely it will eventually seize up. Currently the power steering works fine, as does the water pump. If the power steering pump goes, it's not as bad as the water pump going. The noise is horrible, and its making the car sound shagged lol
Cheers.

 

[jjs]

just change the water pump.,it's not that expensive ,and you can do it with the engine in place ,if the shaft or impellor come adrift from the pump you can end up overheatinmg the engine, more cost,

 

[jambo_gtir]

Im thinking remove engine mounts, bar the right one on gearbox, and lower engine enough to get to water pump from under wheel arch?
There is no way otherwise, my hands r too big to fit dwn the small gap between pully and the chassis

 

[Smo]

Shit luck bud - what is it with Island Pulsars at the moment!

If you want a hand give me a shout.

 

[vss irvine]

you dont have to remove any gearbox mounts, if you take the crank pulley off it will give you more space.

make sure you take the alloy part of the engine mount off aswell.

 

[jambo_gtir]

I'll have to do it in a few weeks once my exams are out the way; I can't afford to spend a day not revising at the moment
Cheers for the help though guys.

 

[jambo_gtir]

All done now, left work early on Friday and spent 4 hours changing the water pump. As soon as i got the belt off and the engine mount, it was clear the water pump was the culprit. The bearings had gone and it had loads of play in the shaft. There was no coolant leaking from it though which I find strange, aren't they supposed to leak when the bearings go?
Any how it's all good now, and the car sounds nice again
Thanks for the advice chaps....

 

[Smo]

Well done mate!