Well, first problem popped up today. It steers hard, makes a whining noise when turning either way, and it even makes the noise when you turn the wheel at a dead stop. I know there's a leak, because I dumped in a bottle of fluid and its now empty. But when there is fluid in it, it get foamy/bubbly.

Is that signs of a bad pump? Or just a simple leak somewhere that needs fixed? It doesn't have a problem steering while going normal speeds, but when turning from a dead stop or slow speeds, you have to use some muscle to turn it.

 

You dumped in a bottle of fluid, now it's empty, and you call that a simple leak? What do you consider a bad leak?
Going through it that fast, you should be able to see where it's leaking from. I wouldn't blame the pump just yet, it could be leaking from anywhere. However, running the pump while dry isn't doing it any favors either.

 

Foaming fluid usually means it is really low and getting air in the vanes or it has a leak on the return line that is sucking in some air. Check for wet hoses and fluid on the ground. Have some one in the car turning the wheel and you with a flashlight checking for drips or a spray.

I agree with 69, dont condem the pump yet but dont run it dry either.

Massey

 

Haha yeah, true. I guess it's a little more than just a "little leak."

It's leaking in the front middle of the car. I was going to try and see if it's a hose or seal, but I'm not familiar with cars (besides the basics) but a friend said it sounds like a bad p/s pump, but wanted to ask on here before I made final decisions.

 

Even a new pump is going to whine when you run it dry, so sure it's sounding like it's bad. Wipe everything off that got fluid soaked, fill the reservoir again, start the engine, have someone else turn the wheels back and forth, and you look under the hood, or under the car for the fountain. You could have a split hose, leaking rack & pinion unit, etc.

 

youre friend needs to go back to school =] but i see ive been beaten to a response and the guys you have iz smartr than i lol good luck

 

thanks for the replies.

If it's a split hose, leaking rack, pinion unit, how much would that cost? (I know hoses are cheap, but the other 2?)

 

a rack and pinion can be bought for not too bad, around 150, installation of those its whats not fun
http://www.theautopartsshop.com/Sear...aign=chevrolet

 

is this a lt1? what yr?

 

The power steering pumps arent very hard to replace... When i bought mine, the owner told me it will be fine for about a week before the leak lets all the fluid out. Ya right.... around the next block the p/s resevior was empty.... but I had a new one on in about an hour and a half with simple tools. but... the pump turned out to be fine.... it was actually the return hoses running from the rack and pinion. so.... check the hoses first. Also, some of the fittings on the rack and pinion can be hard to get to, but you still have to torque them pretty decently.... that was probably the worst part.