power steering

1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM
123,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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STACYNCO
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How can I tell if my power steering pump is bad opposed to the serpentine belt needing replaced?
The pump and hoses were replaced 19 months ago. The power steering fluid is not empty but there is no power steering. There is a loud whirring noise when turning.
This is a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am
Nov 30, 2010 at 12:31 AM
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ERNEST CLARK
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You can check the belt by pushing on it. If it's loose, or you see cracks, missing chunks, replace it.

If the noise is a whining noise as you turn, then it's your pump. And when you have a pump go bad and replaced, you MUST have fluid flushed, as a lot of times small particles of metal are in the fluid and will destroy the new pump as well
Nov 30, 2010 at 12:37 AM