Oh, the joys of being a Rover owner.

Mere weeks after changing my water pump, which was a mere year after doing HGs, my power steering pump has gone the way of the Dodo. It had been leaking for a while, and I knew it was a problem since last winter. On really cold mornings, when I would start the engine, the PS pump would make this medium pitched whiny noise, and if I turned the wheel it would vibrate and get much louder. In the past, I lived down the street from my work, so I could just walk, but today was one such day and I had no choice but to drive about 30 miles.

Needless to say, by the time I got to where I was going, I had almost no power steering. I left my car there and borrowed my parents' car for the time being. In about 5 minutes there was a significant puddle of PS fluid under my car and it was still dripping with vigor.

PS Pumps appear to be a headache. What do you all suggest--should I go new, reman, or used? Paul Tillison has a used one on eBay for like $80--covered in grime and junk, but he claims in works. It looks like my only other options are like $200 for a reman or $300-400 for a new one.

What do you all suggest? I'm leaning toward used, just because I've heard so much junk about remans.

Also, do you all have any recommendations when doing the swap? my PS reservoir is pretty dirty looking, but I didn't want to flush it with my old pump since it was leaking and figured that would make it worse. Could driving on it this morning have caused any additional problems I should look into?

Hopefully we can get some good info on this thread that will serve others in the same situation in the future.

 

Got mine new from Ebay ($98). My mech says he'll charge an hour to put in in. I would do it myself, but I've got other irons in the fire.

 

I'm a little wary of the eBay cheapies when the more expensive ones at the local parts stores already have the reputation they do. I'll be interested to hear how yours is working for you after a week or two.

 

There is a ton of power steering pump posts on here...just search and you will get your answer. I went used with a 90 day warranty on mine. Less than a 100 bucks.

 

Steering pump : Steering Pump - Proper Spec

I have one of these on both of mine. After trying multiple cheaper pumps from other suppliers and brands, new and rebuilt. This is the only one that has worked out for me. Going cheap will cost $$$ in the long run. I went through I think 4 different pumps before getting this one and p/s fluid and shipping adds up.

 

used with a 90 day warranty. jmho

 

Thanks all, I was moments away from going with the Cardone one from Napa ($200) but I ended up calling Paul Grant and went with a used one after all. $90 shipped, priority mail. He said he had a few and all of them were in good shape.

Anyone know how often the steering box goes bad? Is that a common occurrence?