power steering pump whine

[Nicko62]

hi all, the power steering drive belt was changed at xmas time and the pump has gradually got louder. it is very loud at full lock, but any turning of the steering wheel creates an annoying whine. the old belt was very tight but the new one has been fitted at the correct tension. the fluid has just been changed with the major service. any ideas? the steering is light and responsive, just the damn noise driving me mad.
Nick

[dolphin]

if your steering is working normal when driving, pump is full and there is no air in the lines. i would say other than belt your bearings may need replacing.
lets hope its something simple in the pump area.

[mr moose]

There will always be at least a little noise when the steering is at full lock, but what you are discribing sounds like a you are slowly loosing fluid from the pump. It is possible that the steering system was not fully primed at the service and the fluid has just moved from the pump into the steering box. Have you checked the levels yourself recently. If it is down just top it up.

[Nicko62]

yep levels are spot on, think bearings are most probably the cause. anyone know whats involved. i have spent a motza on the car lately, so dont want to think about a new pump.

[mr moose]

don't know about costs but I'd just look at a wreckers for secondhand unit, They rarely have issues so it should last longer than you have the car.

[Pauly Faulkner]

You can get cartridge and seal kits for around half the price of a new pump but are no guarentee to fix the issue(my brother tried this with his cruiser but to no avail and he had same symptons as you)

Ebay has a few for around $250(genuine), i think they use the ribbed belt pulley not the V belt though but you can change the shaft and pulley from yours if it's in good nic.
Either that or just hit up a wrecker or try findapart website for nationwide wreckers contact, Ulverstone wreckers in taz have just about everypart i ring up for so worth giving them a ring also.

I think Mits are asking around $500-$600 for new