Check the Fluid Reservoir
Check the Fluid – If the fluid is contaminated, then it can be the root cause of your problems and the steering pump will not need to be replaced. Healthy power steering fluid is clear or pale pink in colour. Anything darker than that and it could be contaminated causing problems with your steering. Also check for any signs of it being foamy or even having a burnt smell. If you do find any of these signs, then it is likely to be the fluid that is causing the problems.
Listen at Full Lock
With the engine running, hold the wheel in full lock in each direction for a short time and then release. If you hear any signs of strain, such as a whine or groan, that disappear when you return the wheel to the straight ahead position, then you may have a problem with low power steering fluid or worn pressure relief valve, but not a dead steering pump.
Inspect the Belt and Pulley
Look for signs of wear on the drive belt and check the Steering Pump Pulley for any signs of wear. Grab the pulley gently by hand with the engine off and try to wobble it. If it moves it suggests that the bearing inside the pump body has worn.
Squeeze the Hoses
Take a feel for the pressure and return hoses and look for soft spongy areas. Also look for any cracks to these hoses as failure will result in loss of pressure and steer failure. These hoses should be replaced before fitment of the new steering pump.
Look for External Leaks
Clean around the pump with a rag before running the engine for a few minutes. Then go over it again to check for any signs of leak. Look for a wet patch around the shaft seal and pressure port. If it’s leaking then you have found the cause of your faulty steering pump.
More on Steering Pump can be found at https://westernpowersteering.co.uk/steering-parts/pump/.
If all the checks to see if your pump has failed come up blank then the problem lies with another part in the steering system.
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