Power Steering Issue (Bad Bearings?)

[bladetech8]

Hi everyone. Finally decided to come out of hiding and create an account after lurking these forums for about a year now. This site has been uber helpful and I really like how the community helps each other out so much.

Anyways, my little issue is that it seems like my power steering pump's bearings are worn out. I get this really loud squealing sound only when I lock the wheel all the way in or out. This only happens when making a u-turn or sharp turn at low speeds (to park) and I've been careful for the past 3 months not to let the wheels turn all the way in... I just make sure that when I turn I let myself make a larger turning radius to avoid that squealing sound.

So I went to the dealership here in San Jose (Capitol Mitsubishi) a month ago and they told me that I probably have to replace the PS pump ($900, Ouch!) or what I could also do, that "they" say has helped other customers out, is to get my PS system flushed ($125).

I think I might do a flush instead of replacing the whole unit because I don't want to pay $900 for a new PS pump when mine is working fine (no leaks), besides that small squealing issue. I just want to know if this really would help and in my opinion $125 seems steep for a PS flush... I probably need to find a reputable mechanic but I don't even know where to look for a "reputable" one since all the ones here are %$#$ sharks. I don't trust anyone except myself and the dealership with my car. I've had a LOT of bad experiences with my previous car, a '94 Ford Probe GT, which was basically destroyed due to a mechanic's lack of intelligence.

Also I think my belt is a little loose because it squeals a little on cold mornings, but it goes away after warming up... Or that can also maybe be the PS pump bearings as well? I might get the belt tightened a bit just to make sure its not the culprit. It’s a new "Gator-grip" belt so I can't be worn out already.

Any input is greatly appreciated! - Thanks!

:edit: I forgot to mention that under a decent amount of throttle, I hear a little slight squealing sound from around the PS pump/belt area. sounds kind of like a super charger so I don’t mind it. It’s most likely the belt but could be the PS pump bearings. I need to tighten the belt like I mentioned..

 

[LD25Delta9]

Finding a reputable mechanic is a hard job. It could be that your belt is too tight as well. Sounds like normal wear on your pump. So long as it's not whining all the time you're good. But to be sure, really call around to the mom and pop shops. Those are the ones that usually have a good mechanic. It the dealerships that tend to ream you for cash. I had a buddy once that worked for a dealership here in Ft. Wayne, IN. An older woman would come back to him about once a month and complain about a noise, well he test drove it and it always sounded fine. So he told her that her TURN SIGNAL FLUID was low, and she needed a new COOTER VALVE. Charged her 400 dollars and sent her on her way. So not all shiny new dealerships are legit. That's not to say there aren't any good dealership mechanics. I just trust the guy that owns his own shop and has been working on cars since he was four vs. some kid fresh outta high school that smokes away most of what he learns in class (your Probe). Luckily my neighbor owns the shop right across the street from my house and lets me use it whenever I need to.

 

[4UH8ERS]

Nobody touches my car but me, unless its tire related . I say spend your money on either an FSM or a haynes manual and some tools and get to work. You will save yourself a ton of money. BTW: power steering fluid is dirt cheap thats $125 labor bill for 40 minutes of their time.

 

[LD25Delta9]

I concur then you got no one to be mad at but yourself if something goes wrong. Alot of the guys here are SUPER knowledgeable and can really help you out with diagrams and the whole 9 for most of your needs. (get a Haynes though) I've had a nasty problem with my idle for two years, between 4UH8ERS and Locke, they solved it with little stuff I didn't think of.

 

[crensinivon]

Yeah man pull that bottom line and flush it yourself you'll be glad you did. We're all just trying to get you addicted to working on your car. Also look around for cars that look like they have work done to them and just start bs-in with them. Before you know it they will be helping you out. It never hurts to have someone who knows what is going on.

 

[rstare]

We're all just trying to get you addicted to working on your car.

It will happen, you just cant stop it from happening, before long youll be working everyday of the week to put a turbo in, . At least thats how I am.

 

[bladetech8]

Thanks a lot guys for the replies - well appreciated. I think I'm going to definitely do it myself. I've done a valve cover gasket replacement and a ton of oil changes already so I think I should be able to easily handle a power steering fluid flush. I have the Chilton's manual as of right now.. Should I still go out and buy a Haynes one? I guess it won't hurt to have two manuals to reference..

As for the addiction to working on my car.. That's already running through my blood 24/7. My dsm is my baby..

 

[96mitsugsx]

Flush the system first. If all else fails, you can have your pump rebuilt.

 

[crensinivon]

A good dealers chilton's manual is better than a crappy haynes. I just keep the haynes in the car for emergencies.

 

[Locke]

Download the FSM, memorize it, and use the Chilton's and Haynes as kindling.

That'd be ideal, anyways. A Haynes or Chilton's may be good to keep in the car, (as mentioned) or as a bathroom reader.

 

[bladetech8]

Sorry if this is a totally noob question, but do you guys know where I can download this factory service manual Locke mentioned? I did a search for it on the forums and Google.. No luck.

I'm going to go ahead and do the flush tomorrow. I'll let you guys know how it goes..

 

[heckles]

dont forget to check the deflection of the belt. I just put in a new altenator and noticed the ps belt was way to tight, almost water pump bearing damaging.

 

[Locke]

2gnt FSM (Courtesy of Driggs)
http://az2gnt.net/FSM/Tech_Info_Man.pdf
http://az2gnt.net/FSM/2gnt_420a_overhaul.pdf

If you want FSM's for any turbo models or 3/s vehicles, PM me.

 

[bladetech8]

Thanks for the links Locke.

I just did the PS flush this morning and it was fairly easy. PS feels a little better now and the noise is mostly gone.. I'll let it settle in a bit and see how everything goes as I drive it around some more. Thanks for all the replies and help guys. - Well appreciated.

 

[JoshMaddog]

this was really helpful. Mine squeals if its been sitting around for a while (usually in the morning, and after work), I thought it was a belt too, but someone told me about the power steering issue. likes like more fun workin on the car.