power steering pump problems

[suprasocal85]

so my power steering went out and i figured a new pump would solve problem, so i got a pump installed it and it went out right away so i returned the pump got another one and tried that one it worked but it made a loud noise which i believed to just be air in the line and would get worked out i tried to get the air out for about a week or 2 then it died so that was the second pump so i decided to take it to a good shop which i guess even has a subaru master tech and they installed i dont know how many pumps maybe 2 or 3 and ended up telling me my rack and pinion was bad or atleast a valve in it, which i have had the entire rack replaced not too many years ago so they put a rebuilt rack in for i think 170$ then they still cant get the pump to work right they say it makes a noise and is and hard to turn at times my car is still in the shop and has been for the past week:sadsmilie so i need some advise if anyone has any.

mike

[CJSREDPRA]

What are you using for fluid??? Hopefully DEXRON II ATF fluid and NOT actual Power Steering Fluid???

Have you also looked at possible diagnostics in the Online TSRM????

[Rich64N]

Dr Honeybucket, I hope he doesn't use Dextron II ATF -any can (they came in cans then) will be 15 years old plus (sorry Chris, just kidding you). Use Dextron III. Not IV nor V (avoid synthetic V at all costs). But the point is to use Dextron ATF, NOT, repeat NOT, power steering fluid in the power steering.

Next, did you get a new reservoir? If not, did you clean out the old reservoir (the tank on top)? If not that is your problem. I have a post on that years ago.

[Dangerous Ken]

Dr Honeybucket, I hope he doesn't use Dextron II ATF -any can (they came in cans then) will be 15 years old plus (sorry Chris, just kidding you). Use Dextron III. Not IV nor V (avoid synthetic V at all costs).

Rich, Dexron II does exists today in plastic quart bottles and it's far better than what came in cans.
http://www.redlineoil.com/products_gearlubricants.asp?productID=50&subCategoryID=18&categoryID=8

I mention this because this is also the best fluid to use in the 83-86 auto trannys - Dexron II Redline Synthetic ATF.
I've tried the Redline D4 in my 84 auto and it shifts hard, probably too hard, chirping the tires on the 1-2 shift in economy mode :rolleyes: and like the power steering pump that tranny is spec'd for Dextron II.

Dexron has gotten thinner as it went from II to V over the years and I've noticed power steering pumps start leaking when they never leaked before just going from Dex II to Mobil 1 (Dex III spec).

So it's nice to have the Redline Synthetic DEXRON II ATF available today as it is the right viscosity and has better boil over resistance than the cans of Dex II of old.

By the way, Redline Racing ATF or Amsoil Supershift Racing ATF is what you want in your 82 auto and Chris' 81 auto.

Ken

[Dave A.]

This is generally what I recommend for both "normal duty" automatic transmissions and power steering systems: http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/atf.aspx

And it's Dexron, not Dextron.:)

[Dangerous Ken]

This is generally what I recommend for both "normal duty" automatic transmissions and power steering systems: http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/atf.aspx

And it's Dexron, not Dextron.:)

Thanks Dave, I fixed the mis-spelling - I was just using Rich's version :).

I would have ordered Amsoil from you for the power steering if they made a true DEXRON II spec (not DEX II And III). As I mentioned, I did get leaking from the power steering pump when I put in Mobil 1 (Dex III) when it didn't leak before with 'atf in a can' (actually got a few cans and the metal spout/opener from a garage sale) so I just unhooked the power steering altogether.

Ken

[suprasocal85]

ok so they got it working, so it turns out they had bad luck with the parts they got and the first pump was bad or atleast a valve inside is what they said, then the next pump didnt bolt up right? then they got another bad pump i think, then they got one that worked good which is still working good, how ever im sure they put power steering fluid in and not the atf, i yes had cleaned the resevoir when i was trying to get the pump i got from kragen to work. this pump they put on is supposed to be a better one so hopefully i have no more problems as far as putting atf in would i have to drain the entire system or would the power steer fluid mix with the atf with no problems?

[lacrssgus14]

You will need to flush the entire system and run only the ATF in there. This will require a large amount of ATF. Empty and clean the reservoir, then remove the return line from the reservoir and cap the nipple on it. Place the return hose into a container and get an assistant. Now fill the reservoir with ATF and fire the engine up. Make sure to keep the reservoir full so the pump will not go dry. Once you see ATF running into your bucket you can stop the engine and return the system to normal. Fill and cap the reservoir and fire it up again, turn the wheel lock to lock a few times and then check the fluid level again. You should be good to go at this point. Do not be afraid to use a lot of ATF when flushing, the viscosity's are way to different to have some PS fluid left.

[Rich64N]

I learned something here, that Dexron II is still available - though I see it is pricey at $10/qt (7 qts for a transmission, ~two for the PS). The next time I do this I think I'll also replace the PS soft lines (rubber hoses).

On flushing the power steering, a few years ago someone posted an easier method that you don't need a helper for (I've tried both). Remove the cap, then remove the return lines with a flare nut wrench on the bottom of the steering rack and let it drain. Then slowly take turn the wheels in both directions a couple of times to get the fluid out of the rack (if you do it fast it will squirt all over). Wait a bit and repeat. Reconnect and refill. After the initial fill you will need to have the engine running and turn the wheels.

On the A/T variations by year, I went and relooked at the thread (http://forums.celicasupra.com/showthread.php?t=36607) from earlier this year.


Rich, Dexron II does exists today in plastic quart bottles and it's far better than what came in cans.
http://www.redlineoil.com/products_gearlubricants.asp?productID=50&subCategoryID=18&categoryID=8

I mention this because this is also the best fluid to use in the 83-86 auto trannys - Dexron II Redline Synthetic ATF.
I've tried the Redline D4 in my 84 auto and it shifts hard, probably too hard, chirping the tires on the 1-2 shift in economy mode :rolleyes: and like the power steering pump that tranny is spec'd for Dextron II.

Dexron has gotten thinner as it went from II to V over the years and I've noticed power steering pumps start leaking when they never leaked before just going from Dex II to Mobil 1 (Dex III spec).

So it's nice to have the Redline Synthetic DEXRON II ATF available today as it is the right viscosity and has better boil over resistance than the cans of Dex II of old.

By the way, Redline Racing ATF or Amsoil Supershift Racing ATF is what you want in your 82 auto and Chris' 81 auto.

Ken

[thor20]

You can drain the all the fluid out or you can "flush" it. Get a turkey baster and empty the reservoir then add the atf, start it, turn the steering wheel lock to lock a few times the shut it off and do it again till the fluid is completely red. It will take a few times but it will replace it all after about a gallon of the stuff. Just go to the local parts store or walmart and go to town.

[Michael764]

why exactly does the other fluids ruin our power steering? i have some other crap in mine till(which leakes) i use it up then i plan on using dexron, but wondering if its going to f*ck up my ps till then. (i plan on fixing the leak around the same time)

[lacrssgus14]

why exactly does the other fluids ruin our power steering? i have some other crap in mine till(which leakes) i use it up then i plan on using dexron, but wondering if its going to f*ck up my ps till then. (i plan on fixing the leak around the same time)

The viscosity is to thin, the pump valves and such were designed to be used with the ATF. Your system will work ok with ps fluid in, but it will not be working well, it can leak, and will probably foam up. It can also wear on the pump more than the ATF would.

[Michael764]

so its ok for now but not the long run... whew. thanks

[lacrssgus14]

It can also wear on the pump more than the ATF would.

Let me re-phrase my previous post. If its raining tomorrow you will be ok to drive it one more day as it is, but flush and change the fluid as soon as you possibly can.

[Rich64N]

I won't repeat my previous recent posts on this, but this isn't emergent (adjusting your alternator belt tension is with the 10 mm nut on the threaded rod, squealing like a mofo). If you see foaming out the top (= frying the alternator underneath) or noise when the wheel is turned (particularly when stopped) then you are getting to a problem.

I personally like the drain (from the rack) and refill method - the whole thing, not just the turkey baster in the reservoir (just pull the return line instead if you are doing that, be ready to catch the fluid - much easier), and checking the reservoir for "stuff" on the screen, rather than the old flush method. Easier, less mess, less fluid.

If there is gunk on the screen you need to pull the reservoir and clean it (you can't do it in place or you'll contaminate the system with your cleaner). It is in the FAQ forum section a few years back. (HINT - go to the forum FAQ section and change the interval to "from the beginning" = lots of great info)

[Michael764]

i found some super tech that says on the bottle "for use with cars that were serviced by decton ii or mopar somthing, can i use this?

also my rack and pinion leaks really bad if i cant fix it how much will it cost to replace it? apprx.?

[Rich64N]

i found some super tech that says on the bottle "for use with cars that were serviced by decton ii or mopar somthing, can i use this?

also my rack and pinion leaks really bad if i cant fix it how much will it cost to replace it? apprx.?

The WalMart brand is fine for ATF - Dexron II/III (Mercon, not Mopar). If it says it is good for Dexron AND Type F, I'd guess no (and the stuff that works in all cars is more expensive).

Looking at Schucks online, a replacement rack and pinion is ~$180. And lots of work. A rack and pinion rebuild kit is ~$80 and takes more work (though most of the work is in pulling and reinstalling). At Rock Auto (no sales tax) $160 plus core plus postage for the core shipping ($15?). $60 for the seal kit. Looking at an old thread I saw mention of Jorgen Automotive (http://www.jorgenauto.com/rack-pinion/toyota.html#TOYOTA). They'll rebuild for $155.

Hopefully someone will chime in about rebuilding it yourself. Here is a post (http://forums.celicasupra.com/showthread.php?t=20790) about self rebuilds, and a cheaper eBay store. And here (http://forums.celicasupra.com/showthread.php?t=40872), saying you might need special tools.

[Michael764]

i went to my local shop guy and he guessed he'll charge about 300 for him to do it and the closest one i can find new is $248.00 at napa

[scorpion22]

It's really not that hard to replace the rack yourself, just allow a few hours and you should be fine. Make sure to get it aligned soon afterwards.

[Rich64N]

I gave you the prices Schucks/Checkers/Kragen/O'Reilly charges (partsamerica). Guess what, Napa is higher - wow. I know your area has a Schucks. Probably an Autozone too. Or you can order online. I didn't include tax - you can run to Portland and avoid that.

On replacing, budget in several rags and lots of purple power (or equivalent) - it will be messy.

[Michael764]

I gave you the prices Schucks/Checkers/Kragen/O'Reilly charges (partsamerica). Guess what, Napa is higher - wow. I know your area has a Schucks. Probably an Autozone too. Or you can order online. I didn't include tax - you can run to Portland and avoid that.

On replacing, budget in several rags and lots of purple power (or equivalent) - it will be messy.

RAWR, i was just mentioning that i did some research and was a little surprised by the $$$. and thanks for the advice although i have to wait for proper funding aka paycheck.