Steering wheel is hard to manuver when braking; almost as if there is no power steering. There is plenty of fluid in the PS reservior. I have a slight leak in the rack/pinion but use Lucas Oil ps fl

Dennis Mulford

• 1055 Answers
• Posted on Feb 23, 2009

SOURCE: replacing a power steering pump on a 1996 Olds Delta 88 Royale

3 bolts should be holes in the pully too go thru with an extension if their are no holes in the pully then you nee a power steering pump pully remover it can be rented for 5.00 at auto zone

SOURCE: my power steering pump makes a growling noise even

Does it make the growling noise when the fluid is at the correct level? If it does, the noise is a warning that your power steering pump needs to be replaced.

SOURCE: Steering wheel is hard to turn right. Have to be

I would check the power steering fluid level first and if its down repair the leak and recheck to see if its cured if there is no leaks and the level is fine ..Remove the serpintine belt and see if the pwr steering pump pulley pulls off. I have seen the pump shafts break and appear to be fine but they will pull out of the pumps...Good luck hope this helps..

SOURCE: power steering hose to rack and pinion is leaking

drain the fluid from the power steering resevoir undo the hose fittings from both ends and remove from the car, replace with the new one, top up the resevoir and turn the steering from side to side then recheck the fluid level.
your hose may run through an outer protection cover which will need to be removed first before removing the hose

SOURCE: I have a 2001 Olds

A couple of things here...
First, if the pump is making a "whining" sound it is due to a condition called "cavitation". This is allways caused by air in the system. Some power steering fluids are more prone to collecting air bubbles than others. I have had some luck getting some GM vehicles to "shut-up" by draining the fluid out of the reservoir by pulling the return hose, and replacing it with "MERCON V" automatic transmission fluid. This stuff has very good anti-foaming charachteristics.

You can "flush" the fluid from the rack and pinion by leaving the return line disconnected and connect an extension hose to it so you can direct it into a drain pan while you pour a couple quarts of MERCON V into the pump with the engine idling and an assistant turning the wheel at the same time. It goes REALLY FAST, so it can be a little tricky to do. You will definately need help if you are going to try this.

Second, your power steering cap is vented. It is not necessary to loosen the cap to get it to "breath" or "bleed". If it is buidling up pressure, then the vents in the cap are clogged and you should probably replace it.

There are also anti-foaming additives available at most parts outlets that you can add to your existing power steering fluid if you do not want to flush your system out with MERCON V.