My power steering pump started groaning today as I warmed it up. I turned it off and checked the power steering fluid level. The fluid was totally emulsified, just foaming. I let it settle and added some fluid back in and started it again. The reservoir was actually getting pressurized and fluid was coming out of the lid.

What do you think the problem is here? There is no fluid blowing out anywhere else. It seems to be sucking air which would indicate an inlet side leak maybe but what would cause it to pressurize like that back to the res?

Thanks for the help.

 

I had the same problem and my mechanic told me the power steering pump seal had failed and the pump needed replacing.

 

PM me your number and I'll call you this morning with what to do and check.

 

Got a call from Mike and he recommended the flush procedure.

(Thanks Mike, I appreciate the help)

******Flush Procedure***********
"Turkey baster" or other suction device to remove fluid from the reservoir.
4 qts of power steering fluid.
The procedure is to withdraw the fluid in the reservoir and replace with new fluid.
Start the engine, and turn the wheels right and left to the bump stops.
Repeat above until the fluid you are withdrawing looks like the fluid your are putting in.
******************************

So I changed out 5 qts in an attempt to recover my pump. Alas, it worked for about half the day and then I lost my PS. It was a good try but I think for my 200K+ pump that has seen too many -25 mornings it is just time for a new one.

 

Sorry it didn't work, as we talked, it was worth a try.

 

The power steering pump is made up of two halfs that are sealed with a crappy gasket. The gasket fails and air gets sucked into the pump. This causes your pump to make noise and the fluid foams up. At first the noise may go away as the pump warms up, expands, and reseals its self. However, the problem will only get worst.

Unless you drive it too much the pump is most likely in good condition. Remove it, clean it, get some good quality gasket material, trace out a new gasket, and reseal it. Don't use RTV.

If you buy a new pump its going to cost you about $400, and the gasket on the new ones isn't that great. Some sheet gasket material will only cost you about $10. It pretty easy to get at the PS pump. The instructions in the RAVE are quite good.

Good luck.

 

Yep, thanks Mike.

 

x2 What was described by the OP is pretty much what happened to mine too. (Except nobody called me.) At this point, I've tried a couple used replacements, but each have had problems. I'm on my way to breaking down and putting a brand new pump in.

I guess what I'm trying to say is don't bother with used or rebuilt pumps. If you think your pump is still OK, it may be worth trying to reseal with a new high pressure gasket, but if there's any doubt just replace it.

On the brighter side, I can change a D2 PAS pump in less than an hour now.

 

Yes, I am putting a new one on with new hoses . Hopefully I will get another 200k out that like I did the first one.