A power steering pump is one of those components that can go unnoticed until it breaks. When it does, you might find yourself in a bind – unable to get your car moving because the power steering is no longer operational. Before you take any drastic measures, though, try rebuilding your power steering pump – it’s a relatively straightforward process that can get your car back on the road in a hurry.
What Is A Power Steering Pump?
A power steering pump is an essential piece of machinery in any car. It helps to steer the car by providing a constant flow of fluid to the steering wheel. When it starts to wear down, or if the fluid leaks, it’s important to get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Here are Some Tips on how to Rebuild a Power Steering Pump:
1. Disconnect the power steering hose from the pump. This can be done by removing the screws that hold it on, or using a wrench to loosen it. Make sure to label both ends of the hose so you know which goes where later on.
2. Remove the old pump from the car. Most power steering pumps come with an adapter that allows them to be removed without having to remove the engine. If your pump doesn’t have an adapter, you’ll need to remove the engine cover and then use a wrench to unscrew the pump from the axle.
3. Clean and inspect the internals of the new pump before installation. Make sure there are no clogs or debris in the passages where fluid flows, and that all parts move freely when rotated. Replace any worn or damaged parts during this step.
4. Mount the new pump onto the axle using the adapter or screws. Make sure that the seal around the axle is properly seated before tightening the screws.
5. reconnect the power steering hose to the pump and test the system by turning the wheel. If everything seems to be working correctly, you’re ready to reattach the cover and engine.
How Do Power Steering Pumps Fail?
If you have a power steering pump that fails, the first thing you’ll want to do is determine the cause. If the pump was working correctly up until the time it failed, there’s a good chance it’s due to an internal failure. Here are some common causes of power steering pump failures:
-A clogged filter – The filter is located on the outside of the pump and helps to protect against debris and contaminants from entering the pump. If it becomes clogged, it can cause the pump to fail. To check for a clogged filter, remove the cover and use a hose to flush out the filter. If debris is still present after flushing, the filter may need to be replaced.
-A worn gearbox – The gearbox is located inside the pump and helps to turn the impellers. If it becomes worn, it can cause the pump to fail. To check for wear, remove the cover and look for signs of teeth wear or other damage. If needed, replace the gearbox.
-An overworked motor – Overworking a motor can cause it to fail sooner than normal. To check for an overworked motor, measure how long it takes for the pump to reach its desired speed. If it takes longer than expected, the motor may be overworked and need to be replaced.
The Different Types of Power Steering Pumps
There are a few different types of power steering pumps, and each has its own specific purpose. Here’s a breakdown of the different types:
1. Reciprocating Pump – A reciprocating pump is generally cheaper to repair than an impulse pump, and is used in cars with manual transmissions. It uses pistons that move back and forth inside a cylinder to push fluid around.
2. Impulse Pump – An impulse pump is more expensive to repair, but it’s typically used in cars with automatic transmissions. It uses an electric motor to power the pistons, which makes it faster and more efficient.
3. Centrifugal Pump – A centrifugal pump is used in high-performance cars or trucks that need lots of power and torque. It’s also used in some marine applications. This type of pump uses a spinning rotor to force fluid through the impellers.
How To Rebuild A Power Steering Pump
If your power steering pump is not working, it’s time to take it into consideration and rebuild it. This guide will show you how to do it on your own.
The first thing you need is some parts. You’ll need a new power steering pump, O-rings, a gasket, and some fluid. The fluid depends on the make and model of your car. You can find instructions for replacing the power steering pump on most cars’ websites.
The next step is to take the old one apart. Start by removing the coverplate and the bolts that hold it to the housing. Then remove the housing itself by unscrewing the bolts that hold it in place.
Once the housing is free, you can start to take apart the internals. Start by removing the two upper bearings and the gearbox. Be careful not to damage anything while you’re taking it apart.
Next, unscrew the three screws that hold the valve body in place and remove it. Be sure to save the seals and gaskets that come with it; you’ll need them later on.
Now you can start to install your new power steering pump. First, slip the O-rings and the gasket into the corresponding slots in the housing. Then screw the housing back together and attach the coverplate.
Finally, reattach the gearbox and upper bearings, and screw everything back together. Be sure to check for leaks before you finish up.
Conclusion
If your power steering pump is starting to give you trouble, don’t panic! There are a few things that you can do in order to get it back up and running as quickly as possible. First, make sure that the belts are in good condition and adjusted correctly. Next, check for any sign of leaks or damage, which could be causing the pump to fail. Finally, replace the pump if necessary. With a little bit of knowledge and care, you should be able to get your power steering pump working again without too much trouble.