Before I start tearing into this I'd like to get some opinions....

I've got a '84 T/A that's developed a 'grumbling' or 'groaning' sound whenever the steering wheel is turned. This apparenly only happens after the car's warmed up and in parking lot situations - that is when the car's going < 10 mph or even standing still. The pitch varies with engine speed and only happens while the wheel is being turned. If the wheel is held stationery (during a turn or when the wheel's straightned out) there's no grumbling whatsoever. At first I thought it was the steering gear going out but I've recenly noticed the variation in pitch with engine speed (the faster the engine the higher the pitch of the sound) so now I'm having second thoughts on my theory.

Would such a noise be consistent with a issue in the steering pump or steering gear? I've recently replaced the hi-pressure hose, checked the belt tension and I've checked the fluid level with no effect....

Has anyone else run into something like this themselves?

Thanks!

 

pump

 

Any idea as to what in the pump would/could cause this sound? Just normal wear (the pump is original and has 150K on it), or did something in the pump go out?

David

 

Have you fully bled the system? You said that you replaced a high pressure line. Have you done a pressure check on the pump yet?

 

No, I haven't. How would I run a pressure check?

 

Well, to bleed the pump make sure the fluid level is topped off and then proceed to turn the wheel from left lock to right lock and back again. Repeat this and keep checking the reservoir. Doing this will force the air out of the system into the res. Then just make sure its got the proper level of fluid.

*For The pressure test*
First you need a pressure gauge and a shutoff valve. You'll disconnect the high pressure line and connect the pressure guage and shutoff valve into the high-pressure side. You'll want the shutoff valve to be put before the guagein the direction to the pump. With the valve open start the engine and let it idle. Turn the wheel back and forth to get the power steering fluid to temp.

Then close the valve. Note the reading. I'll get you the spec pressure, I can't remember off hand. Anyway, make sure the valve isn't closed for more than 5 seconds or you'll damage the pump. Turn wheel to full lock left and right. Note the pressure at full lock and as you turn to full lock. This will make sure your pressure relief valve is working at full lock, and that your control valve and power piston are working during turning.

Let me see if I can find the pressures. I had em written down somewhere.

 

Would I be able to rent the gauge and valve from a auto store? Or would I have to just piece it together? If I have to piece it together, would just any oil pressure gauge and valve work?

BTW thanks for the help!

 

I'm not sure if you could assemble your own or not. The one I use is a everwear gauge. We have it at the shop. I would think you'd have to rent or buy one seeing as how they have fittings on the end to connect to the line and the pump. Let me check on the guage though. I'll be at work tomorrow so I'll look at it and get back with you.

I know autozone rents out tools, but I'm not sure If they have a Power steering pressure guage or not. Check tomorrow and I'll get back with ya.

 

Would I be able to rent the gauge and valve from a auto store? Or would I have to just piece it together? If I have to piece it together, would just any oil pressure gauge and valve work?

BTW thanks for the help!

 

btt