robertbartsch

A few months ago, I had the power steering coolant unit blow out and that resulted in mixing ATF/power steering fluid with antifreeze. what a mess...


I bypassed the coolant unit and flushed both the radiator and power steering systems.

Now, after the engine warms, the power steering pump whines a bunch. This gets louder when you turn the wheels a lot...

Anyway, I suppose it is time to change the power steering pump; right?

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Probably - especially if you have new fluid in the system.

Did you put a new auxiliary P/S cooler on? (If not, that could have pushed your pump further along.)

FiredUpZ28

Its likely the pump (make sure its bled properly), but I've had idler/tensioner pulleys cause groan/whine noises too. Take a long screw driver or stethescope and listen to the pulleys with the car running.

95badboy

How did u bypass the coolant system I'm havin this problem and its a mess

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

https://ls1tech.com/forums/general-m...g-success.html

95badboy

Thanks

robertbartsch

It takes several minutes of driving before the whine begins. I assume this is the time the power steering fluid reaches operating temps.....

I would think this further confirms a bad pump.

I will use a stethascope to confirm.

I have 315 sized tires on the front. Does this stress out the PS pump? Most here have concluded that F-body cars do not need a PS cooling unit. Does this apply to cars with 315 sized tires on the front?

How much of a pain is it to remove and replace the pump? I can't find any videos on YOUTUBE.com????

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

It certainly does because it would increase the force needed to turn the wheels at slower speeds, but.... it shouldn't be enough of an increase to cause a problem. (Unless you are off-roading or something like that. )


Don't believe everything you read on the internet!

If you look at this article: http://www.gmhightechperformance.com..._pump_install/

the folks who do P/S pumps for a living give concrete numbers that point to the stock fluid temps being high enough to degrade the pump seals. This is why GM moved to the cooler in later years for all V8's. I'd tend to side with Turn-One and GM's engineers on this one, which is why I've retained some cooling.


The pump is one of the easiest things to remove on the entire car! No video is necessary. However; the P/S pulley needs to be removed from the pump first. That is a TOTAL PITA. You'll need a P/S pulley remover to do the job, which should have instructions for you.