Power steering issue

[PeterP11c]

As a part of my previous restoration work, I had my mechanic install a rebuilt rack & pinion plus a steering pump. From the start it never matched my original pump in performance. OK, while driving on the freeway, smooth turns but while stationary the force required to move the wheel is way too much. Put in brand new set of belts, the engine got less noisy for w while. Now, the belts rattle on cold engine again with annoying swishing sound and the wheel turns harder and harder. Anybody had a similar experience? I still keep the original pump and wonder if I should have it rebuilt and put in place of the other one.

[John Brennan]

I agree with you on your strategy. Of course, make sure the system is thoroughly flushed, and has no other mechanical issues. Sounds like you got an inferior rebuild. As annoyingly whiny as these pumps tend to be, they are very common and are readily available, both as rebuilds, and as candidates for rebuilding.

Have you tried going back to them and complaining? You never know, they may be willing to stand behind their product and service.

[PeterP11c]

Right. I just did that. Left the car for manifold gaskets and sway bushings work. Told my mechanic about this pump and it's lack of performance while stationary. One thing fixed, another coming up.

[john keefe]

Kinda' sounds like one of the internal seals in the rack is leaking (cut during rebuild?), or the whole system just hasn't been bleed properly. Not in the manual, but like a master cylinder it sometimes works to open up one, then the other lines on the rack, and let the system gravity-bleed until there's no bubbles. Should have been "bench-bled" anyway, before installation on the car.

The other cause might actually be the wrong PS fluid. Sometimes shops (and owners) just dump in whatever fluid they have on the shelves, or even just AT fluid.

[PeterP11c]

OK. I will forward your suggestions regarding bleeding the rack and pinion. There is no leak of the fluid, so I don't think any seals were cut. Appreciate it.

[brokencase]

How about this hypothetical...

The rebuilt pump and rack were actually fine. But what if there is a problem with the 30 year old high pressure hose?
For example the hose internally collapsed or, even worse, chunks of hose are breaking away and getting forced into the rack.

That would mean that the pump has to work harder to get fluid through the rack. Pump and pulleys make noise and sound like they are under stress?

Just a thought...

[PeterP11c]

OK. Great thought. For reference, can you tell me where this high pressure hose is located in the system? Directly attached to the pump or part of the rack and pinion?

[brokencase]

The high pressure line is the one that has the metal connection to the power steering pump. It then transitions into rubber as it goes down to the rack (where it transitions back to metal). You're not going to be able to buy one of these hose assemblies as a new replacement. Unless someone has an NOS unit laying around somewhere.

You have to hope that there is a place like below that is near you and can take your old one and crimp on a new rubber hose section.

The place below is located in Bensalem, PA. But I believe this is a chain. Their main work is to replace hydraulic lines on construction and landscaping equipment. There may be other hydraulic specialist near you.

BTW, I have not done any of this. I am only suggesting this approach as I have considered pursuing this. I've gone into the place and when I asked them about it they said the most likely could do it, but they needed to see the original hose assembly to be certain.

Many power steering pump and steering rack installation instructions recommend checking and changing hoses if required and to install a power steering filter on the return line, otherwise they may not honor warranty.

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[PeterP11c]

Thank you for advice. Saw my Scorpio at the shop this morning. TFI unit was installed, sway bar bushings were replaced. Left side manifold gaskets are in place, the right side would require removing engine mount as it is in conflict with the manifold. Power steering will be next on the agenda. Incidentally, headlight switch stopped working on low beam, prompted another purchase. Also noticed some body rust from spill of brake fluid when ABS line was leaking. Never ending list of repairs. Shop time 100% and drive time 0%.

[Bob Weir]

I had a business such as brokencase mentioned to rebuild my PS hose. What rebuilder is concerned about is being able to reuse the fittings.

[andyofcolumbusmerkur]

Could swap out a used pump yourself. Having a shop do it sounds expensive.

[andyofcolumbusmerkur]

Would this alternator bracket or pump from a scorpio help you out? I want to sell them since I can't use them.