Power Steering pump noise

[Mark]

The other night, my PS was making a whining noise so I nailed it lithium spray. That did not work right away, but the noise went away. The next morning, I started the rover up and the noise came back. I called LR later that morning and explained my problem, thinking I needed a new PS pump so I left work early to drive the one hundred miles to the nearest dealer. I called LR and asked if they HAD a pump. Noooo!. So i asked what the matter was, seeing that the noise was gone. The service rep thought it was the pulley [maybe the serpetine belt was on too tight?]. Well since the noise went away, I cancelled my appointment [driving five miles] and went home.
The noise has not returned.

What is going on and should I be worried. I am driving to VA on Sunday and plotted in the LR dealers around DC on StreetAtlas 2005 w/ GPS, just in case...

Any ideas?

 

[joey]

Do you either have a long screwdriver or a mechanic's stethescope? Either will work to find any noises. It sounds to me line the idle pulley, when they go bad they start making noises. New they are around $90 if I recall correctly... I read somewhere you can remove the bearing and replace it as well (havent tried that yet, but I hear it works) this shouldn't cost more than $10. I would also check your fluids just to make sure.

 

[disco1]

My guess is that you serpentine belt was the culprit. Your squirting lithium gease onto the power steering pump has lubricated your squealing belt. If the noise comes back, get some drylube, or, even a cake of soap will do. With the engine running, press the dry lube, or soap, onto the sides of your belt (keeping your fingers clear of the fan blades). If the noise goes away, it's your belt thats the problem.

 

[Mark]

Well I am back from my adventure and spent the week analyzing my situation.
The PSP still makes the noise but is limited only after making turns where the whining takes place again. I areated out the Lucas fluid, which by the way, looked like an acid when it hit the pavement.
This is what I found:
1. The PSP works fine when the fluid or engine is cold.
2. The PSP fluid is being replaced with a Prestone fluid hoping that the oil in the Prestone is lubricating.
3. I still think I have air in the system but will have the local shop try to remove on Monday or Tuesday. I will ask that he evaluate the system for possible remedy.
4. Advance Autos has a rebuilt PSP for $180 from a company called Cardone.

My question: What does anybody think about the reman PSP or should I spring the $500 for an OEM PSP?
I can feel and (carefully using a screwdriver to the ear) hear a whine from the underside of the PS pump. maybe a week of letting it sit will areate?
Does anyone have a cut-away or drawing of what the PSP looks like?

Also, I found that the Prestone PS fluid will make all exposed plastic inside the engine area look brand new! I am going to use the extra bottle of PS fluid to wipe down the black plastic.

Any suggestions?

 

[Mark]

Soooo... Power Steering is not Power Steering fluid...it is ATF!
I Know, I know...

I must of been fighting my mind and not believing what I was reading and poured in Prestone PS fluid. My mind kept telling me I was wrong but I could not resolve the ATF issue.

The noise is getting less after I had the Dealer drain and replace. So bought some ATF to keep topped off while it areates and blows out the caps little hole.

 

[Mark]

One other thing.

The noise came about AFTER the PS pump was warm (and fluid). So I guess the PS fluid was shearing and areating, causing the bubbles.

 

[gracieyep]

WOW. I can't believe I found someone with the same exact problem that my Rover is having. So, what is the current condition of your noise? Mine also started out making noise only after driving for a long time and then when I would be idle, like waiting for the garage door to open. Now, its soooo noisy that I am actually embarassed. My mechanic says it is the power steering pump, and he says that there is a build up of dirt in the pump. The noise goes away when I press on the gas, and it was explained to me that when I do that, the gas pushes its way through the dirt in the PSP and that's why the noise stops. But, something is telling me that I might have been given a run around answer there. I'm really curious to know if your PSP noise has stopped and if so, what did you do to stop it? Thanks!!

 

[Mark]

See my other posts about the PS pump.
I have figured that my shaft is 'too' loose and that it was making the vanes rub. I do not see metallic particles in the reservoir when I used a turkey baster to draw out the fluid. Took about 6 draws to drain the reservoir.

Today I loosened the serp. belt and pulled the shaft 'outward'. Released the tensioner and started the rover up. Sure enough, the groan returned. Stopped the rover, repeated the effort, but pushed the shaft all the way inward.

No noise from pump, but serp belt squeaks. Quieted it with some good Hampton Inn bar soap and the noise went away.

So Gracie, loosen the seep belt and take it off the PS pump. See if the shaft moves in and out, alot. Maybe a 1/4". If so, get a new pump and hoses while you are at it and even a new serp belt. Mine will be replaced Tuesday and I ordered the PS pump and hose kit from AB for about $700.

 

[gracieyep]

Thanks Mark. I wish I knew how to change things myself, I don't, so I guess I am stuck with changing the whole thing. I'm letting it ride for as long as it can...Do you know of any Power Steering Pump fluid that would clean the junk outta the pump without taking it off? Obviously, lol, I am not familiar with engine parts....but I'm getting there! I will ask my mechanic to try the loosening of the seep belt and checking the movement...but when I ask him to do this, he's gonna think I'm nuts..lol. Mechanics never think a woman knows anything! But I am armed with great info from the Rover Forum!!!!
THANKS AGAIN FOR GREAT INSIGHT!