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Quieting a noisy power steering pump
https://www.slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=49363
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Author:  Reed [ Fri Jul 20, 2012 2:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Quieting a noisy power steering pump

1983 Dodge van. Stock original power steering. Original pump with who knows how many hundreds of thousands of miles. I am guessing near or over 200,000 miles.

The power steering pump on my brother's van makes a very audible whirring sound while the motor is running. Fluid is full and it isn't the usual whine you hear from a bad pump. Whirring lessens if steering wheel is turned. Power steering works fine.

Would flushing the system quiet it down? Or is the pump just nearing the end of its service life and should be replaced?

Thanks!

Author:  SlantSixDan [ Fri Jul 20, 2012 3:13 pm ]
Post subject: 

A flush-through wouldn't be a bad idea. ATF+4 is fine for flushing and for steering fluid usage if you have some handy; the other acceptable option is Chrysler-type power steering fluid.

There's a filter screen in most of these pumps, usually on the inside of the pump reservoir screening fluid as it arrives from the return hose. If that's begun to clog up, it'll make the pump noisier. Unfortunately the only way to clean it is to remove the pump and remove the reservoir.

Author:  Reed [ Fri Jul 20, 2012 3:18 pm ]
Post subject: 

Thanks. The fluid is fairly dirty (it looks like thin and dirty oil rather than clean PS fluid). However, this isn't a pressing concern, and I have other things to do this weekend that are more pleasant than a PS fluid flush or PS pump disassembly. I'll keep this info in mind though.

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