SRT-11

I've already had it in for the recall, and I had a friend turn the wheel while I had my head under the hood, it sounds like a bad bearing noise (rocks in a can kinda thing) when the wheel is turning, but it's not detectable when the revs are higher and the car is moving. Is that a bad pump?

I looked in the fluid thinking it might be entrained air, but I didn't see any bubbles in the fluid reservoir... Has anyone replaced their pump? Is there anywhere to get a pump without paying through the ass for it? Is it a simple install? I was thinking to drain the fluid, break the bolt loose if possible while it's still on the car, then remove the belt, remove the pump, new pump, new belt (why not), new fluid, good to go?

cjTL

iTrader: (2)

Search. It's the O-ring, a well-known issue around here. It's a $.74 part that is super easy to swap out.
This thread is a couple down from yours-

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-problems-fixes-114/diy-105-power-steering-whine-fix-754586/

I had the same issue. Was able to fix following that DIY.

SRT-11

I did search. No need to bold that. If you read my post I said "I looked in the fluid thinking it might be entrained air", but there were no bubbles, hence I thought it wasn't an air leak from the o-ring, which if you read my post was replaced when I already had it in for the recall.

cjTL

iTrader: (2)

My apologies. Admittedly, I read the title and the first paragraph.

But that was a similar thing with mine. I opened the reservoir and didn't really see any noticeable bubbles so I doubted it was the ring. How long has it been since it was replaced? I honestly would replace the o ring again before you consider buying a new pump. Can't go wrong for a part thats less than a dollar.

SRT-11

No big deal, and you have a very good point about trying the o-ring first... One thing I couldn't tell from the other thread, do you need to drain your fluid first before replacing the o-ring or can you do it without a fluid change? I'll absolutely try this before replacing the whole pump! (fingers crossed)

cjTL

iTrader: (2)

Nope no fluid change needed. You can do it with the fluid still in. Just be sure you have a towel ready as some (only a few small drops) fluid will come out when you disconnect the hose.

But I realized I need to change my fluid while changing the o-ring...it smelled so oxidized.

SRT-11

well the good news- fluid still looked pretty good (changed it in January) and it was an easy task.

bad news- the o-ring in there was already a red one, and didn't look too beat up or dry. I reinstalled, tightened to 5-10ish ft lbs (everyone said not too tight) and then started er up, turned lock to lock a few times, and no noises I could hear worse than the typical light groan, will try some more tomorrow.