Power Steering Issue
12-24-2010, 10:06 AM
#1
Staging Lane
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Power Steering Issue I have an 02 SS and for some reason, the power steering fluid continuosly spills out the top(yes the fluid level is correct). I even went as far as running the level a little low to see if that would have an effect, but it didnt. You can see the top of the resevoir is wet. The pump begins to make the classic groaning sound. I am not sure if all SS models have the P.S. cooler, but this one does so am I correct in thinking it cant be an overheating issue? Could there be an issue with the pump itself? If Im not mistaken, the cap has a vent hole in it to relieve excess pressure, right? I was thinking pressure may be the issue, but with a relief hole in the cap, it cant be that. I have even tried 3 different caps. I did notice one of the lines has been repaired using the same union used to bypass the throttle body heater. Could there be an issue with that union causing a restriction in the system, thus causing excess system pressure? I am willing to entertain any theory. Thank you and Merry Christmas to all.
12-24-2010, 05:20 PM
#4
Not sure.
Best guess would be expansion due to heat and the very small volume in the reservoir. I have an LT1, si it already has a remote reservoir.
But I replaced the factory plastic with a larger aluminum tank. It still hasn't stopped, but it's reduced considerably.
It really won't make a difference in the puking, but do you use a good fluid? A decent fluid like Redline will at least save the seals of the pump.
The only eal fix is to replace the pump with a re-valved one from some place like PSC Motorsports. Many use Turn One and I currently have a TO pump on my race car. But, PSC has worked with us and we've changed the valving even more to reduce flow rate at high RPM.
Best guess would be expansion due to heat and the very small volume in the reservoir. I have an LT1, si it already has a remote reservoir.
But I replaced the factory plastic with a larger aluminum tank. It still hasn't stopped, but it's reduced considerably.
It really won't make a difference in the puking, but do you use a good fluid? A decent fluid like Redline will at least save the seals of the pump.
The only eal fix is to replace the pump with a re-valved one from some place like PSC Motorsports. Many use Turn One and I currently have a TO pump on my race car. But, PSC has worked with us and we've changed the valving even more to reduce flow rate at high RPM.
12-27-2010, 01:43 PM
#6
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That would do it but there is something causing this to occur. I know A LOT of people who have converted their original 1st gen, teardrop style ps pumps for the the new style like we have and they don't have this issue. I have this same pump on 1 of my other cars and it doesn't do this either. It's something with this car.
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12-28-2010, 07:30 PM
#8
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12-28-2010, 07:40 PM
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Yeah Im just gonna get rid of the pump and the whole steering rack and put a manual rack in with a tubular k-member. I dont know where its leaking from. Ive heard our power steering systems are prone to leaking.
Then ill get an electric water pump and just run the alternator on the belt.
Then ill get an electric water pump and just run the alternator on the belt.
12-28-2010, 07:51 PM
#10
If so, the coolant system could be pushing pressure into the power steering system...and pressurizing it way more than it should be. Do you see any little bubbles in the ps fluid...or is it a different color now?
That factory ps fluid cooler is complete crap...and it DOES NOT cool the ps fluid...it heats it up.
get rid of it if you have one and put an aftermarket cooler on. Its literally a 15 minute job and costs about $40.00.
Here's where I put mine...now the cooler only gets warm to the touch...unlike the factory piece of crap cooler...which will give you 3rd degree burns if you touch it.
12-28-2010, 07:55 PM
#12
Well, this is what it looks like.
Very simple to do.
Hose from the rack goes into that cooler, the other goes back and connects to the bottom of the reservoir.
Put small vice grips on those two hoses going to that cooler.
Cut them both with a razor.
Take that cooler off and throw it in the garbage where it belongs.
Connect those two ends to the new cooler and strap it to the frame.
Top off with fluid.
Replace the upper radiator hose with a complete "one piece" rubber hose.
Done.
.
Very simple to do.
Hose from the rack goes into that cooler, the other goes back and connects to the bottom of the reservoir.
Put small vice grips on those two hoses going to that cooler.
Cut them both with a razor.
Take that cooler off and throw it in the garbage where it belongs.
Connect those two ends to the new cooler and strap it to the frame.
Top off with fluid.
Replace the upper radiator hose with a complete "one piece" rubber hose.
Done.
.
12-29-2010, 10:00 AM
#16
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Do you have a factory power steering cooler?
If so, the coolant system could be pushing pressure into the power steering system...and pressurizing it way more than it should be. Do you see any little bubbles in the ps fluid...or is it a different color now?
That factory ps fluid cooler is complete crap...and it DOES NOT cool the ps fluid...it heats it up.
get rid of it if you have one and put an aftermarket cooler on. Its literally a 15 minute job and costs about $40.00.
Here's where I put mine...now the cooler only gets warm to the touch...unlike the factory piece of crap cooler...which will give you 3rd degree burns if you touch it.
If so, the coolant system could be pushing pressure into the power steering system...and pressurizing it way more than it should be. Do you see any little bubbles in the ps fluid...or is it a different color now?
That factory ps fluid cooler is complete crap...and it DOES NOT cool the ps fluid...it heats it up.
get rid of it if you have one and put an aftermarket cooler on. Its literally a 15 minute job and costs about $40.00.
Here's where I put mine...now the cooler only gets warm to the touch...unlike the factory piece of crap cooler...which will give you 3rd degree burns if you touch it.
