Power Steering Pump?

[Crummy VN]

I have recently got the old family VN, poor things been run into the ground
When i picked her up i noticed the power steering fluid was dry as a bone! When the motor is running there is a LOUD grinding/scraping noise, I seem to think its the power steering pump...My question is, would running the car without fluid completely stuff the pump? or will filling up the fluid be alright (if the noise stops)?

Any help is GREATLY appreciated

[agrsv8]

by the sounds of it, she'll prob just leak or die soon. Try some fluid first, for $10 it's worth a shot.

[levymetal]

you'll end up wearing out the pump if you drive it with no fluid. driving a little shouldn't hurt though if you have to. fill her up and check pump, lines & rack for leaks. if it's all good then happy driving for you

pumps are like $30 from the wreckers anyway so it's no big deal if yours is stuffed.

[noddycommodore]

The worst thing about a pump that's dry is when the metal components go metal to metal they sent metal scrapings to the rack. That could stuff the rack as well. The best bet is to top up the fluid drive it as little as possible and flush the fluid real good. Even this may save your pump for a little longer

[Crummy VN]

Cheers for the help guys I really appreciate it, now that I know they're only worth 30 bucks I'll probably just get a new one for the hell of it HAHA
As i said though there is a loud grinding/scraping noise, this would be the power steering pump hey?
I know that water pumps make this noise on their way out...But this noise is a lot louder, hopefully it IS the power steering pump that makes the noise. *crosses fingers*

[noddycommodore]

There is 1 easy method to check the water pump, check if the water pump pulley has movement, when the water pumps are worn they get movement it's a easy check, you don't need to remove the belt to check this

[bcw61]

The fact that the OP stated that power steering fluid was non existent, I would almost guarantee the reported grinding/scraping noise indicates that the PS pump has failed.

[Crummy VN]

Ok I know the water pump is fine, what i was trying to ask is does the power steering pump make such a noise when its buggered?

[shreks vp]

if it has no oil yes it will make a loud noise put some oil in and test it it should be ok

[Crummy VN]

Thanks heaps for all the help guys, I'm still not used to having a car with power steering
I think its over rated anyway HAHA