Check YouTube for videos of the sound and compare.
Tensioner pulley seems to be a common cause but compare the ticking

Let us know what you find and good luck.

 

 

So I looked a bit closer today. Wanted some input if anyone has any
it does look like the tensioner is fluttering a bit, although the majority of the chattering is coming from higher up. I’m assuming the PS pump like I thought before.
If you look you can see what looks like a washer moving along the shaft that the pulley is attached to that goes into the pump. I’m assuming this isn’t normal.
I’m not familiar with the make up of any power steering pump. Do I need a new one? Do I need a seal or something replaced? Or IS this normal?

Also does the tensioner pulley look like it’s causing anything? Doesn’t look terrible moving but does look like it’s movinf more than it should.

Washer from rom power steering pump at about :10.
Tensioner at :52 seconds

Thanks in advanced to anyone who can chime in!

 

 

Hi,

As another poster mentioned, get a stethoscope. Place it only on non-moving parts. By alternating where you place the tip (tip is almost foot long so you can place it lots of hard to reach areas), you can see where the noise is strongest. That will lead you to the problem area. IMHO, this is a must-have for debugging car problems. And at 15 dollars, there is really no reason not to have one.


That said, you tensioner does seem to be moving too much. But maybe it is moving to compensate for a problem with the pump. That is why its best to get the scope and figure out the source of the noise.

 

 

I think it's the tensioner. The noise can travel. Take a stethoscope to it.

 

Hey Ossman and others - I thought I'd share this video I just took after the TL had been sitting a few days while I modded the headlights. I don't think this is the noise Ossman mentions, but in case anyone can identify it, please enlighten me, lol. https://photos.app.goo.gl/Bs5Rf4wZtjWcdxVb9

 

 

 

So I pulled the PS pump off to get it ready for rebuild as I got all my seals, rings, and bearings in today.
I would say my original thought was right judging by the pics. This is right after I took it off. I did not move or break off anything.


Looks like the outer bearing housing separated, and the bearing wore out and the pump failed.
A new bearing is supposed to look like this, the orange piece seemed to have separated off of the old one.


So I have all the new seals and what not. But it looks as if the pump has already been replaced with a remanufactured one, yet it has already failed so I'm assuming it isn't an OEM one. The current pump also is coated black and has a REMFG stamped on it.
I'm pretty hesitant to attempt to rebuild this pump with the OEM seals if I'm correct in assuming this is NOT and OEM pump.
1) I'm concerned other parts on the inside will wear prematurely, the car only has 70,XXX miles on it, I wouldn't imagine this pump has more than half the miles on it.
2) I'm not sure if the OEM seals will be a good fit for a non-OEM pump, if that makes sense?

Wondering if anyone has any suggestions on this? I'm leaning at dropping the money on a new pump at this point

 

Typically re-manufactured units are OEM units, they just have been rebuilt with aftermarket seals, bearings, etc...Of course aftermarket new units can end up mixed in the re-manufactured parts as well if they end up failing and are used as a core. Regardless the OEM seals should fit without an issue, however that is up too you whether you want to buy new or overhaul this one. If it were me and I already had the stuff I would attempt to fix this one and see how it goes. I previously rebuilt my OEM unit earlier this year and it was really easy.

I am not sure of any markings that would be cast into or etched into the housing that would be an indicator of OEM or not.

 

 

Rebuild that one and sell it to recoup some cash!