Power steering pump question

[xit]

After reading about all the power steering pump problems here I would like some advice. My pump is starting to whine, should I just replace it, flush the system or drive it until it gets worse or better, it is the original pump with only 53,000 miles. I see where a lot of you have replaced them only to get one that also makes noise.

1994 Astro Van

xit

[Phantom]

That is low mileage for a pump ,, flushing would do some good and using a fluid like
Valvoline SYN Power steering fluid will help , whine is usually air being pushed around , here is a procedure you can use , I noticed it in another GM forum ,, when mine whined i flushed and filled with SYN Power and it is silent now , has been ever since

Try bleeding the P/strg system this way to see if this helps.

Important: Power steering fluid level must be maintained throughout bleed procedure.

Fill pump reservoir with fluid to minimum system level, FULL COLD level, or middle of hash mark on cap stick fluid level indicator.
Important: With hydro-boost only, the oil level will appear falsely high if the hydro-boost accumulator is not fully charged. Do not apply the brake pedal with the engine OFF. This will discharge the hydro-boost accumulator.

If equipped with hydro-boost, fully charge the hydro-boost accumulator using the following procedure:
2.1. Start the engine.

2.2. Firmly apply the brake pedal 10-15 times.

2.3. Turn the engine OFF.

Raise the vehicle until the front wheels are off the ground. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
Key on engine OFF, turn the steering wheel from stop to stop 12 times.
Vehicles equipped with hydro-boost systems or longer length power steering hoses may require turns up to 15 to 20 stop to stops.

Verify power steering fluid level per operating specification. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid .
Start the engine. Rotate steering wheel from left to right. Check for sign of cavitation or fluid aeration (pump noise/whining).
Verify the fluid level. Repeat the bleed procedure if necessary

[Lumpy]

New pump isn't expensive. Your old one, even though low mileage, is 25+ years old.
Hundred bucks or so will get you a new pump, new hoses, new fluid and a PS fluid FILTER in the low press line.
Then it'll drive like new.

You could flush and refill it. That will cost quite a few dollars. And you'll have the equivalent of
an old pump with new fluid. I've done that too. If I had the extra dollars, I'd go ahead and replace.


Lump

[howso]

dose any one know of a HI TEST and or HI VOLUME power steering pump for the Astro,Safari van line,after replacing the power steering pump on my 97 astro I started thinking when I was going to convert a 110" G10 over to a 4x4 they had all kinds of overdrive pumps for the 4x4's I 'am clearly convinced that the pump combination brakes ,steering is a BIG weak link in this van !!!!!!













afari line

[chevymaher]

dose any one know of a HI TEST and or HI VOLUME power steering pump for the Astro,Safari van line,after replacing the power steering pump on my 97 astro I started thinking when I was going to convert a 110" G10 over to a 4x4 they had all kinds of overdrive pumps for the 4x4's I 'am clearly convinced that the pump combination brakes ,steering is a BIG weak link in this van !!!!!!

We must have the luck of the Irish then.We have had 4 vans all were driven to over 200 thousand we never had any problem with the pumps on any of them.They sell aftermarket hydroboost kits for racing/street cars.We are so impressed with them we are actually considering putting them on the chevelle and charger.Solves vacuum issues on cars with big cams.

[2xlbob]

Although this thread is a year old, it seems to fit right in with my problem. I'm a newby with a 2000 AWD, and gettin' too damn old to be rollin' around underneath this thing. I originally thought I had a power steering pump going out, due to the increasing amount of effort it took to turn it(mostly at low speeds). After replacing the pump, I couldn't turn the wheels at all. So, upon further investigation it was discovered that the drivers side idler arm was locked up(good thing I'm not gettin' paid by the hour). After replacing both idler arms I made a feeble attempt to bleed the system and failed. Tonight I tried the "Phantom" bleed system, which seemed a little better at first, but didn't change the stiff turning and no brakes. So why not take a test drive. Thinking that higher rpm's might get things flowing, still no luck. Aside from throwing a new pump at it, I was wondering if anyone has ever tried doing a pressure bleed on this, like some do on a brake job. Any suggestions at this point would be most welcome.

[Lumpy]

I can't imagine how any kind of external pressure bleed scenario would do something that the regular pump pressure wouldn't do.

I'm a little confused in your description. Did you replace the pump?

Did replacing the idler arms remedy the locked up steering?

When you fill the reservoir, then turn the wheels lock to lock in attempt to bleed, does the PS fluid level appear to go down?

When you drive it around the block, do you hear that "power steering whine" that sounds like your fluid is low? Or does it sound normal, just steers hard? Which brings the question, how are you determining that the PS system is not yet bled?

Do you have hydroboost brakes or vacuum boost brakes?

If that's a new pump, and the steering gear is anywhere near functioning, I have to think that there's something really simple that's just not connected right, belt not on etc.


Lump

[2xlbob]

In answer to your questions

Re: Power steering pump question

Postby Lumpy » September 11th 2012, 3:23pm
I can't imagine how any kind of external pressure bleed scenario would do something that the regular pump pressure wouldn't do.

I'm a little confused in your description. Did you replace the pump? Yes

Did replacing the idler arms remedy the locked up steering? Yes

When you fill the reservoir, then turn the wheels lock to lock in attempt to bleed, does the PS fluid level appear to go down? No

When you drive it around the block, do you hear that "power steering whine" that sounds like your fluid is low? Yes Or does it sound normal, just steers hard? No Which brings the question, how are you determining that the PS system is not yet bled? When I loosen the pressure line I get fluid but very little pressure.

Do you have hydroboost brakes or vacuum boost brakes? Hydroboost

If that's a new pump, and the steering gear is anywhere near functioning, I have to think that there's something really simple that's just not connected right, belt not on etc. New belt routed like the picture, and it fits fine. I'll check the feed tube this weekend to see if its clear. If so, I'll probably get a new pump, and try again. Thanks

[Lumpy]

Do the brakes appear to be functioning normally? ie they feel like they are getting normal power assist?

Is the high pressure line a new replacement? Every time you remove and recouple those ends, it's probably a good idea to replace the 50c O-ring.

We'd better get someone more familiar with hydroboost in on the thread. Mine is vacuum, just two hoses, no external reservoir etc.

I'm still a little cloudy about the initial symptoms, idler arms, PSteering, PBrakes and how any of the symptoms and resolutions seem connected.


Lump