So a while back I replaced my power steering pump because it was whining. It wasn't leaking or anything but just a really annoying whine. The new reman pump I got from autozone was great for a few months and then started to whine so I exchanged it and got another which also started whining. This past week I replaced my exhaust manifold so i had to remove the power steering pump. When I put it all back together for the first day, it wasn't whining. It has now started again but since it wasn't whining at first, i'm thinking it isn't the pump but the pulley? A while ago I watched bleepinjeeps video on replacing the pump and he said to install the pulley as far as the one I took off was. He said NOT to bottom out the pulley as it wouldn't turn. I am thinking my problem is my pulley not being aligned well and so the belt is causing extra friction making it whine. Any thoughts? how far should the pulley be on the pump? how do I align it properly?
Power steering pump pulley question
- Thread starter Chasitek
- Start date
What brand are the replacement pumps Autozone is giving you? If they are a shitty Duralast brand, then I am not surprised, and it’s lilely the pumps themselves which keep going bad.
That's what I was thinking but with basically unlimited exchanges, it's not a big deal having to replace it every year. The only reason I think it is not the pump is because when I reattached everything after replacing the manifold, there was no whine for an entire day but it sounded like my belt was squeaking but no matter how much I adjusted the tension, it was still squeaking. Well there is no more squeak but now the whine is back. Is there a way to check the alignment of the pulley and the belt? I'm going to try and exchange the pump again tomorrow but there obviously is not going to be a mark on the new pump as to how far the pulley should be on there so how do I know? last time I just winged it.
You're more understanding than I am. I purposely pay more for things so that I don't have to replace them as often, just because I don't want to hassle with it.
I'm not sure there is a way to check the alignment, but then again, I've never done this before. If there is a way, I guarantee you it's in the FSM... guarantee it.
You should look in the FSM to see: Jeep Wrangler TJ Factory Service Manuals (FSM) & Technical Documentation
When I replaced mine the front of the pulley bore was flush with the shaft so I installed it the same way.
For most things I choose that route but at $40 bucks after a coupon vs $220, it's hard to say no. I also look at it this way, if I keep replacing it and they have it in their system, I can eventually ask for my money back if I become tired of replacing it. Also, I haven't lost any power steering abilities, it's just the annoying whine but I guess it's what I paid for.
Ok, I will check that first thing tomorrow and see if mine is lined up the same.
Co
Couldn't help myself so i went out and checked. Mine is not sitting flush so i'm going to fix it tomorrow and fingers crossed that what the issue.
nuvz
New Member
So I having a whine that sounds like my power steering pump as well. Did you ever get yours fixed? I assume so since the thread died. What did you find?
I rented a pulley/installer and tightened the pulley down flush with the pump. It bottoms out so you can’t screw up. Tightened my belt down and ever since, it has stopped. The easiest way to check if it’s your piwer steering pump is to pull your belt off an start the car. Give it a few small revs to see if the whine is still there. If it is, it’s not your power steering pump. If the whine is gone though, it’s most likely your ps pump.
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nuvz
New Member
Thanks for the update!! I need to do some more investigating for sure, but at least I know some things to watch for.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
Armytruck6x6
TJ Enthusiast
No way the pully is making that whining.... its a press fit and only can be on straight. As far as on to far that could be, but it wont whine, it will bind if anything. Some pumps are just loud, fluid viscosity/ thicknes / type may play a role as well. As long as its not leaking and you are not low on fluid and cavitating the pump you are fine except the annoying pump sound.
Well for me it was the pulley. It wasn’t pressed on far enough and it caused it to whine. It’s all fixed now but it was indeed a whine.
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Armytruck6x6
TJ Enthusiast
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