Power Steering Pump Noise

Almost all vehicles in the modern world are equipped with a power steering. But the more advanced and sophisticated technology gets, the more it requires regular care and maintenance. Same is the case with power steering mechanisms. Power steering technology was introduced many years ago, in order to reduce driving efforts and enable efficient and trouble-free driving! However, it needs to be regularly maintained and repaired promptly in case of malfunctioning. The most common of all the power steering problems is the power steering pump noise. The power steering pump is situated at the front of the vehicle's engine, and is mainly responsible to provide an uninterrupted supply of power steering fluid for the proper and efficient working of the power steering mechanism. But when and why does the power steering pump make so much of noise? Well, let us explore the answer!

Power Steering Pump Noise Explained

So why does your power steering pump make noise? Is it bad and do you need to replace it? Might be! But this is the last option or probably the final solution! Initially, before coming to such a conclusion, check the power steering pump fluid level and then decide whether you need to change it? The power steering pump fluid level is actually the most important and also the most prominent cause of a power steering pump noise, and in the long run, a power steering system failure! Now, you certainly must have realized the importance of the power steering pump fluid in the power steering mechanism. So what is the solution for it? Needless to say, if the fluid has become too old, then you need to replace the power steering fluid tank with some new fluid, or if the fluid level has declined, then of course you need to fill in the right amount! Once again you would find your power steering pump working efficiently, as it usually does! You have seen that the power steering pump noise can be stopped just by refilling the fluid or by topping up the right fluid level! However, not always is a reduced fluid level the cause of the problem to the power steering pump. Sometimes, the pump itself gets old and you ought to replace it with a new one, so as to avoid further problems. Other reasons why pump problems are experienced are air entrapment, oil foaming, chrome plating deterioration, water content, sludge formation, etc. Now you might be wondering, how to change a power steering pump? I have answered it in the next segment of our discussion.

How to Replace a Power Steering Pump

Power steering pump removal and replacement is very easy and you can do it yourself in your own home garage. Here's how to replace the power steering pump, explained in short and simple words.

• First of all, keep all the tools such as the spanners, safety gloves, and also the new pump at hand.
• The procedure is divided into two major steps. The first step is to remove the old pump and the second is to fit in the new one.
• Raise the vehicle on a jack and remove all the other parts that come before you can get to the pump.
• Remove the pulley with a puller, along with the other nuts and bolts, and then remove the old fluid from the pump.
• Now remove the old pump.
• To fit in the new pump, reinstall the pulley, fix in the new hose, and then position the new pump.
• Fit in the bolts and torque as per the manufacturer's specifications. Install the belts with proper tension, fasten its bolts, and then install the new pump.
• Check for leaks. If no leaks are found, tighten the lid over the pump.
• Start the engine and once again check whether there is fluid leakage anywhere.
• No leaking indicates that you have successfully completed the procedure!

If you get the task done by a mechanic, then the cost will be anything around $200. It takes around 4 hours to complete the job. Doing it yourself will cost you just around $50. A power steering pump rebuild and repair are some other options over the power steering pump replacement. Nonetheless, I hope that the above discussion has clarified your doubts pertaining to the power steering pump noise. However, whenever you are in doubt, reach out to your local mechanic and get detailed answers to all your queries and car problems, because if you aren't too sure of what the actual problem is or how to fix it, then it is better not to risk doing any repair work and end up making matters worse.