Power Steering Pump Failure

[Coolmank9]

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

 

[losh1971]

Did you make sure cam went in the right position?

 

[Coolmank9]

Did you make sure cam went in the right position?

Sorry, can you explain further mate?

 

[losh1971]

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]

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]

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

 

[vs-lover]

Hi Losh,

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

 

[Coolmank9]

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]

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]

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.