Power steering unit replacement

1998 BUICK CENTURY
105,000 MILES • 3.1L • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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BRUCE CARD
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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
Aug 9, 2017 at 1:49 PM
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STEVE W.
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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.

Aug 9, 2017 at 2:45 PM
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