CC:
So this power steering noise problem that you’re having, does it occur when it’s cold?
Yes.
When it’s hot?
Yes.
Does it occur when you’re going around slow corners?
Yes.
Parking lot speeds?
Yes.
Have you added fluid to the vehicle?
Yes.
The first step for any successful power steering repair is to know the customer complaint. When are they experiencing the noise and what have they done about it? Knowing these factors can be critical in making sure the car is repaired for a long period of time without any other noise issues or comebacks for your shop that it could be very costly. To cure the customer’s noise concern about their power steering system, you got to treat it like a complete system. You got to look at the pump, you got to look at the belt, you even got to look at the tensioner. And also, make sure you’re looking at the rack, if there’s any other leaks or any other performance issues with it.
First of all, if you’re replacing the pump, look at the belt and also the belt drive system. Chances are, if the vehicle has more than 100,000 miles, the tensioner, well, it’s probably worn out along with the belt. So when you’re writing up that estimate for the customer, make sure you’re including typically a complete kit that will also replace the tensioner, belt, and other either components on the belt drive system. Also, if you’re replacing the pump, make sure you’re doing a complete flush of the system. This includes the cooler and also the rack. And as part of a tech tip, keep in mind, if you’re bleeding the system and trying to get all the air out, top tip, make sure that you’re looking at the service information for the correct procedure.
The old school method of going back and forth, back and forth with the engine on? That might not work, and you could end up damaging the pump itself. So look at that information. They may instruct you to do a flood clear, or you leave the gas pedal all the way to the floor, and RPMs may not exceed 500 RPMs. Or in some cases, they’re going to ask you to turn off a coil or the fuel injection system. If you don’t do this, you could damage the new power steering pump. It also goes for how the wheels are turned. Some instructions ask for you to lift the vehicle up and have the wheels dangling. This way, you’re not putting stress on the spool valve. So just keep these instructions in mind when you’re replacing a power steering pump. And this way, you’re going to solve all the customer’s noise issue and they’re going to drive away with a very quiet car. I’m Andrew Markel. Thank you very much.
This video is sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
