DWoodAudio
05-30-2003, 02:10 AM
Ok, I know the 4th gen F-cars have terrible reputations for power sterring pump problems. I'm slowly developing that annoying whine in mine, which gets a lot worse after every auto-x run. It calms down a bit when the fluid cools off but the pump is definitely getting noisier overall.
So, eventually it will be time to replace it, anyone have suggestions about better pumps or tricks (other than an inline cooler, which I'm currently installing) to make these pumps live under autocross use?
KeithO
05-30-2003, 07:35 AM
First, a flush and replace of the fluid eliminates the whine completely for me. I have done this twice in the last 11 months.
Second, a cooler is really necessary, but I still haven't put one in so I suppose I shouldn't throw stones....
I keep a turkey baster and a quart or two of Red Line power steering fluid in the car. As needed (about every other autocross event or every on-track session), I suck as much fluid as I can get out of the reservoir with the turkey baster and replace it with new fluid. Chances are your fluid is burnt. I call Red Line "Brown" Line since I manage to burn it so much.
Finally, some of the whine can be traced to the increased pressure in the system that accompanies the heat. Between autox runs, I remove the reservoir cap to relieve the pressure and assist in cooling the fluid... The side effect of this is a quieter system.
This is what I do, FWIW.
DWoodAudio
05-30-2003, 10:40 AM
I like all those ideas, definitely a good idea with the turkey baster but I imagine it gets you some strange looks.
Don't feel so bad about the cooler issue, its a pain trying to find a convenient place just to put the darn thing!
thanks for your suggestions
KeithO
05-30-2003, 11:38 AM
Give one or more of these a try and let me know what works for you...
DWoodAudio
05-30-2003, 11:47 AM
maybe different fluid too, i'm using the valvoline synthetic stuff because its readily available (auto zone). the red (or brown) line stuff is a bit harder to come by locally.
its out to the garage today to try and figure out a suitable place to stick the cooler, more news as it becomes available.
I did notice after runs that when i took the p/s cap off smoke came out of the can, quite amusing to all watching!!
redimpss5
06-01-2003, 02:15 AM
i used to get a loud whine when i autocrossed. i would pop open the hood and open the power steering cap to vent it. but i found an easy fix beside the fluid change (it didnt work in my imapla ss) i put on a underdrive and all the whine is now gone. btw, we two driver our camaro.
Xscream
06-02-2003, 09:42 AM
Cooler is the way to go if :D I can run 45+ minutes at well over 4k and I have no problems what so ever with fluid boiling. Factory LS1 cooler is what I used :)