Powersteering pump noise when turning - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

tire_machine · 06-04-2009, 04:10 PM

I've noticed an increase in noise (grinding/shuddering kind of noise, hard to explain) when I am turning. It used to be at low speeds (parking lots), but I noticed that it happens at moderate speeds too.

Steering around corners at low speeds is often choppy, and is getting a little difficult now as well. I had HICAS, but removed the fins from the pump when I bought the car (sr20det).

Is my powersteering pump on it's way out?!

Moon Ill · 06-04-2009, 04:24 PM

Does your belt chrip every now and then?

Also, can you spot and leaking fluid?

tire_machine · 06-04-2009, 05:17 PM

no leaking fluid whatsoever from my car

i can't hear my belt chirp really, i have 3" full exhaust (no cat), and I listen to music. I'll try and listen, but unless its an obvious noise, then no

tire_machine · 06-05-2009, 10:16 AM

belt tension is a little weak, i can push the center of the belt down about a 1/4" between the two pulleys

wiggafly808 · 06-05-2009, 10:31 AM

Then tighten it up and see if that helps..
Also, check the fluid level and make sure there is enough in there.

Good luck

CT93S13 · 06-05-2009, 11:19 AM

I had the same problem a while back with my s13, i noticed the factory return line going from the pump to the reservoir tends to get soft and flimsy over time (16years) and started to kink causing it to starve the power steering pump thus causing the "wine" and hard turning. try replacing that powersteering return hose and make sure you have plenty of fluid.

SoguRacing · 06-05-2009, 11:31 AM

1/2 inch of belt flex is normal. your pump is on it's way out.

Pacman · 06-05-2009, 09:22 PM

If you don't have a stethoscope to check for noise, as I'm sure most of you don't, get a long screwdriver and put it on the pump and your ear to the handle. If you hear a loud grinding type sound (like a bad bearing), your pump is done for. When you replace it, flush the system with dexron ATF. ATF is suppose to be used in the system.

06-04-2009, 04:10 PM	#1
tire_machine Leaky Injector Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: canada Posts: 104 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Powersteering pump noise when turning I've noticed an increase in noise (grinding/shuddering kind of noise, hard to explain) when I am turning. It used to be at low speeds (parking lots), but I noticed that it happens at moderate speeds too. Steering around corners at low speeds is often choppy, and is getting a little difficult now as well. I had HICAS, but removed the fins from the pump when I bought the car (sr20det). Is my powersteering pump on it's way out?!

06-05-2009, 11:31 AM	#7
SoguRacing Post Whore! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: (714) Age: 38 Posts: 2,967 Trader Rating: (23) Rides Gallery: SoguRacing Feedback Score: 23 reviews	1/2 inch of belt flex is normal. your pump is on it's way out. __________________ Pre Tune Checkup! Compression,LeakDown,Vacuum Test $80. Cams Install: $180

06-04-2009, 04:24 PM	#2
Moon Ill Zilvia Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Fayetteville, NC Age: 37 Posts: 206 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Does your belt chrip every now and then? Also, can you spot and leaking fluid?

06-04-2009, 05:17 PM	#3
tire_machine Leaky Injector Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: canada Posts: 104 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	no leaking fluid whatsoever from my car i can't hear my belt chirp really, i have 3" full exhaust (no cat), and I listen to music. I'll try and listen, but unless its an obvious noise, then no

06-05-2009, 10:16 AM	#4
tire_machine Leaky Injector Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: canada Posts: 104 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	belt tension is a little weak, i can push the center of the belt down about a 1/4" between the two pulleys

06-05-2009, 10:31 AM	#5
wiggafly808 Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Corvallis, OR Posts: 346 Trader Rating: (11) Feedback Score: 11 reviews	Then tighten it up and see if that helps.. Also, check the fluid level and make sure there is enough in there. Good luck

06-05-2009, 11:19 AM	#6
CT93S13 Join Date: May 2009 Location: CT Age: 41 Posts: 11 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I had the same problem a while back with my s13, i noticed the factory return line going from the pump to the reservoir tends to get soft and flimsy over time (16years) and started to kink causing it to starve the power steering pump thus causing the "wine" and hard turning. try replacing that powersteering return hose and make sure you have plenty of fluid.

06-05-2009, 09:22 PM	#8
Pacman Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Ohio Age: 36 Posts: 1,149 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	If you don't have a stethoscope to check for noise, as I'm sure most of you don't, get a long screwdriver and put it on the pump and your ear to the handle. If you hear a loud grinding type sound (like a bad bearing), your pump is done for. When you replace it, flush the system with dexron ATF. ATF is suppose to be used in the system.