Alex Chamberlain wrote:
Just to revive an old problem... I changed the PS filter and the fluid
(with Dave M.'s favorite Valvoline Semi-Synthetic PS fluid, since I
couldn't find Mobil 1 ATF on short notice), and the vibration is still
there, though somewhat lessened.
I still haven't changed the steering shock as Marshall suggested,
mostly because, though I think it's probably the original one with
nearly 200k mi and could stand changing, I can't see how it could
cause a symptom like this that is noticeably worse when the car is
cold.
I'm starting to worry that my PS pump is going to fail
catastrophically, lock up, and break the serpentine belt. Is this a
real concern? Should I put in a new pump preemptively ASAP ($375.85
from Rusty---yikes!), or will I be OK waiting until it gets worse
and/or I have some free time?
On 9/27/05, Alex Chamberlain <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Thanks Kevin and Marshall. I'll change the fluid and filter (think I
already have one I bought as a spare) and report back if it's still
doing it.
On 9/27/05, Kevin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
On Tue, Sep 27, 2005 at 12:01:25PM -0700, Alex Chamberlain wrote:
Lately on cold mornings my 300D is exhibiting a slight vibration when
turning the steering wheel, independent of road speed. It feels
almost like the boost is coming and going at a constant rate of five
or ten Hz. If this were an engine with separate accessory drive
belts, I'd immediately suspect a loose or slipping power steering
belt, but this is a 603 (with the one serpentine belt). The PS fluid
level is right and the fluid itself looks and smells normal, although
I don't know when it was last changed, if ever. Any other
suggestions? Is my PS pump dying?
Probably the power steering filter needs replacing. I'd replace it sooner
than later (before it gets worse and cavitates the pump), especially since it's
cheap.
K
Alex Chamberlain
'87 300D Turbo
PS steering pump failures requiring replacements are quite rare. I can
only find 3 or 4 references to replacing one in the more than half
million problem reports I can access. I've NEVER had one fail myself.
Are you SURE it's not a serp belt tensioner, lever, shock or idler
problem or even the inside of the high pressure line collapsing (much
more common than bad pump)?
Marshall
--
Marshall Booth Ph.D.
Ass't Prof. (ret.)
Univ of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Department of Pharmacology 1300 BST
Pittsburgh PA 15261 USA
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
