Welcome to Just Commodores, a site specifically designed for all people who share the same passion as yourself.

New Posts Contact us

Just Commodores Forum Community

It takes just a moment to join our fantastic community

Register

Power Steering Pump Failure

Coolmank9

New Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2019
Messages
16
Reaction score
1
Points
3
Age
22
Location
Brisbane
Members Ride
None :(
Hi all. I own a 97 VS SS. The power steering became shitty and I had it checked by a shop and they said the pump and high pressure line were leaking. I rebuilt the pump with a seal kit and the old seals were hard and brittle. I haven’t replaced the HPL yet however the car was still fine to drive even with both items leaking albeit annoying. However, upon starting the car after refurbishing the pump and somewhat bleeding (I probably didn’t do it well enough) the system I turned the wheel and it moved really well like I had definitely fixed it then suddenly a loud thud ran through the car and the power steering went to utter ****, I don’t think it’s doing anything.

Me and dad took it for a short drive and there was absolutely nothing there. It’s horrible to drive. We are gunna properly bleed it tomorrow as per the Gregory’s manual. What do you guys reckon happened? Thanks
 
L

losh1971

Guest
There is a cam in the pump. If this is in the wrong position when the pump is reassembled the pump won't work. It is easy to have the cam in the wrong position.
 

Coolmank9

New Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2019
Messages
16
Reaction score
1
Points
3
Age
22
Location
Brisbane
Members Ride
None :(
There is a cam in the pump. If this is in the wrong position when the pump is reassembled the pump won't work. It is easy to have the cam in the wrong position.
I took pics as we dissembled the pump so I knew where each part went. If I post the pics can you tell me which part you mean? Cheers
 

Coolmank9

New Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2019
Messages
16
Reaction score
1
Points
3
Age
22
Location
Brisbane
Members Ride
None :(
I took pics as we dissembled the pump so I knew where each part went. If I post the pics can you tell me which part you mean? Cheers
 

Attachments

  • F25E5BDD-07E1-41AA-A72B-A9791F7434CF.jpeg
    F25E5BDD-07E1-41AA-A72B-A9791F7434CF.jpeg
    30.8 KB · Views: 289
  • 1BF514D5-1E0C-4912-AA8A-9366AF37A5FF.jpeg
    1BF514D5-1E0C-4912-AA8A-9366AF37A5FF.jpeg
    31 KB · Views: 339
  • 0CFA121E-9EC0-4FCE-9F56-1DEC8BA6171C.jpeg
    0CFA121E-9EC0-4FCE-9F56-1DEC8BA6171C.jpeg
    35.8 KB · Views: 337
  • D714BEA3-C075-41A6-AF9B-15F1D9C632EA.jpeg
    D714BEA3-C075-41A6-AF9B-15F1D9C632EA.jpeg
    30.2 KB · Views: 319
  • 71E104A5-F14A-4867-BF1D-808536DF8424.jpeg
    71E104A5-F14A-4867-BF1D-808536DF8424.jpeg
    26.2 KB · Views: 334
  • 4608EC8B-0BD3-4F38-82B3-519120F7AAE2.jpeg
    4608EC8B-0BD3-4F38-82B3-519120F7AAE2.jpeg
    27.6 KB · Views: 317

vs-lover

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 9, 2013
Messages
2,772
Reaction score
1,954
Points
113
Location
Adelaide
Members Ride
VS S2 Calais, VS S2 Exec Wagon, VS S2 Acclaim
Hi Losh,

JFYI it's actually called the cam ring, anyone will think there's a camshaft in there. LOL !
 

Coolmank9

New Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2019
Messages
16
Reaction score
1
Points
3
Age
22
Location
Brisbane
Members Ride
None :(
Hi Losh,

JFYI it's actually called the cam ring, anyone will think there's a camshaft in there. LOL !
Haha yeah I was confused by that too, however I still don’t know he means
 

vs-lover

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 9, 2013
Messages
2,772
Reaction score
1,954
Points
113
Location
Adelaide
Members Ride
VS S2 Calais, VS S2 Exec Wagon, VS S2 Acclaim
It's the solid steel ring with the oblong hole in it as seen in your third photo, it has to go back inside in the exact same position how it came out otherwise it won't pump out at high pressure.
 

krusing

Well-Known Member, Possibly for the wrong reasons
Joined
Jun 21, 2014
Messages
6,107
Reaction score
4,865
Points
113
Location
Melbourne
Members Ride
2002 VY L67 Calais Sedan, 2012 VE L77 Calais Wagon
Bite the bullet, go to the Wreckers a get a S/Hand one,
I have done a few for friends and relatives over the years, as I am hobby mechanic,
the S/Hand one will outlast the the age of the car,
But you MUST try and blow the old oil out of the existing lines and rack with compressed air,
Install the replacement Pump, fill it with oil, and bleed it by turning the steering wheel from left to right quite few number of times,
as it will appear VERY air-rated, and the oil will appear pink,
until the oil has circulated, then it will settle down and be nice and smooth again, then top up the reservoir.
 
Top