Power steering stopped working after making a weird noise

KITTAKITTA

MEMBER
2002 KIA SPECTRA
2WD
AUTOMATIC
244,000 MILES

My car has been making a weird noise when I turn the wheel in either direction. And this morning my power steering went out completely. It is my first car so I do not know where to start. Could it be the pump? Or the belt or the rack? I have not had any luck finding a diagram for how it is supposed to look.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros. Com.
It could be a few things. However, since it was making noise when turning, it sounds like it is low on power steering fluid. That is the first thing to check. I have attached a picture of the reservoir which is located under the hood on the passenger side inner fender. It is the second picture listed. It has a full line. Confirm that there is fluid in it as well as its level. If you need to add fluid, the specification for your vehicle is PSF-3.

Additionally, check the hoses to make sure they are not leaking. If you find that the pump needs replaced, here are specific directions for your vehicle from Alldata.

Removal
Loosen pivot bolt from P/S pump.
Loosen locknut from P/S pump.
Loosen bracket nut from P/S pump bracket.
Remove drive belt.
Loosen nut and remove high pressure hose from P/S pump.
Disconnect fluid suction hose after pressing clip.
Loosen three bracket retaining bolts.
Remove power steering pump assembly.
Replacement
Install power steering pump assembly.
Tighten three bracket retaining bolts. Tightening torque: 27 - 38 ft. Lbs. (37 - 52 Nm, 3.8 - 5.3 kg-m)
Connect fluid suction hose onto P/S pump.
Install high pressure hose and tighten bolt. Tightening torque: 33 - 40 ft. Lbs. (44 - 54 Nm, 4.5 - 5.5 kg-m)
Install drive belt.
Tighten bracket nut. Tightening torque: 27 - 38 ft. Lbs. (37 - 52 Nm, 3.8 - 5.3 kg-m)
Tighten locknut and bolt. Tightening torque: 27 - 38 ft. Lbs. (37 - 52 Nm, 3.8 - 5.3 kg-m)
Tighten pivot bolt. Tightening torque: 27 - 38 ft. Lbs. (37 - 52 Nm, 3.8 - 5.3 kg-m)

I have also attached a picture of the pump and its components to help identify parts as well as where it is bolted. It is the first picture shown. The pump will be located under the hood on the left side of the engine where the belt driven accessories are located.

The last picture is that of the entire hydraulic system for the steering. I have added it just in case you try to locate a leak.

I hope you find this information helpful.

Cheers,
Joe

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