Problem after changing power steering pump

[GDFConley]

After changing my power steering pump due to loud noise from belt drive. Had a mechanic look at it and he advised me to change pump. After completing this job and when I restarted the car it was making worse than before almost like it was coming from the engine almost like a rattle or a clanking noise. Does anyone have any suggestions and would power steering fluid on belt cause this type of noise.

 

[FredWanaker]

suggest going to an automotive forum for the type car you have. Other than that use a stethoscope to listen for the noise.

 

[Wrench97]

Oil on the belt will not make a metal clanking noise.
Air in the pump will make a roaring noise that goes away after running and getting the air out of the system, or sometimes sitting to alow the bubbles to work there way out.

 

[Sumboodie]

New pulley and old belt may cause issues.
Have seen it several times.

 

[earl84]

Are you sure it isn't the idler pulley? As recommended above, use an automotive stethoscope to pinpoint the noise.

 

[check251]

Remove the belt, check for looseness on any of the pulleys, start the engine briefly to
see if the noise is still there. That will eliminate or confirm if its something in the
accessory drive.

 

[nadogail]

Has the system been bled of any entrapped air? cavitation is very hard on pumps.

 

[CraigStu]

A longer screwdriver will sub for a stethoscope. Have the end of the handle actually touching just in front of your ear canal. And be VERY careful that the tip doesn't get caught in any of the moving parts.

 

[u2slow]

Air in the system is quite common once the p/s system has been worked on. Another 'tell' is the reservoir overflowing with foamy oil.

 

[pinebarkauto]

T o answer your question, yes contaminants on the belt such as oil, antifreeze, grease, and even water will cause some strange noises. Sometimes sounding like popping metal. Try jacking the front wheels up and with the engine running, turn the steering wheel lock to lock several times to remove air from the system. Keep check of fluid level while doing this. If noise persists, try spraying some silicone lubricant on the belt while engine is running. If noise immediately subsides, that is your problem. If you don't have spray silicone lubricant handy or just prefer not to use it, a bar of soap rubbed on the belt with the engine running will usually give the same results. Noise may come back after a few minutes but may go away in time. Myself, I would probably just replace the belt. Clean the pulleys good before installing the new belt.

 

[CraigStu]

When you are moving steering back and forth you may want the cap on the reseroir. I don't know why but a lot of times if you move the steering a little too fast you can get messy bubble over of PS fluid.

 

[428PI]

I've had 3.0 Fords fool me. I thought it sounded like power steering whine and it was an idler pulley. Mercedes have fooled me too on idler noise. Belt misaligned from worn tensioner will cause belt noise. You really should tell us what vehicle it is.

 

[Stevewr54]

Spray some WD40 on the belt while running and see if anything changes. Steve