Power steering unit replacement

Tiny
BRUCE CARD
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 BUICK CENTURY
  • 3.1L
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 105,000 MILES
My car was making a strange upper engine rotary noise that sounded like the power steering pump. After installing a new one, I flushed and bled the system. The noise persisted. So I am thinking of putting in another new one, because I do not know what else to do. Does anyone know what else could cause a noise that seems to come from the power steering pump, that gets louder with speed and turning the wheel right?
What is it? Thanks
Wednesday, August 9th, 2017 AT 1:49 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,443 POSTS
Does it make the noise while setting stationary and just turning the steering wheel back and forth? Or does it start growling at a low speed and increases as the car goes faster?
As a test, remove the belt off the pump and start the engine. Do you still hear the noise?
Check the idler pulleys and the alternator as well as the water pump, a failing bearing in one of those can cause a growling sound as well. If they feel loose or gritty when you rotate them the bearings are failing.
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Wednesday, August 9th, 2017 AT 2:45 PM

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