Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

Noticed a whining coming from the power steering pump which has progressively become worse. I have sourced a replacement and would like to give the swap a go myself. I was just wondering if anyone who has done this can give me a quick run down on how to remove the belt, swap the pump and bleed the system once finished.

Thanks and Happy New Year!

Prob worth putting a new belt on. Tighten mine up the other day, had about 5/10mm off deflation when messured with a tape. worth checking ribbed belt as well, want 45 deg twist on that.

Quite Easy really. Just want to lossen the bolt holding ac so it can twist / swing when when the belt is tenstioned, loosen the bolts holding the adjuster at each end. And hold the triangle bracket as you undo bolt as it will flex

Hi there. If the problem is not simply the belt (which it certainly could be!), there is a great source of most things 'DIY' for the 944, follow this link:

http://www.clarks-garage.com/

The procedure you want is found under Garage Shop Manual > Brakes and suspension > Power Steering Pump Replacement. Its called STEER- 02.

I have removed, repaired and replaced my pump and found the procedure quite easy. One thing you will encounter is the tensioner for the belt is a 'turnbuckle' where one thread is RH the other LH, so you have to slacken off both locking nuts and rotate the central tube to release the tension. It's pretty straightforward. However, they can get rusty and jam, if this is the case it is good practice to remove the tensioner and free off the end pieces (heat works!) re-lube and reassemble. Also, take note of where every bolt, nut and spacer fits, as they are different lengths and types, etc. Take photos while doing the process - this helps too, especially when putting it all back together!

Do not use power steering fluid, but always the recommended Automatic Transmission Fluid...

Before starting, it is a good idea to get new 'crush' washers for the banjo pipe connectors, these are pence from an OPC and will ensure your new pump doesn't leak.

Hope this helps, good luck...

Once you have installed your pump and filled with fluid, turn the steering from lock to lock several times (wheels off ground) to 'burp' the system before starting the engine. This will move the fluid around expel air from the system and you'll see bubbles coming up through the reservoir. This procedure will stop the pump howling its t*ts off and foaming up the fluid.

Thanks for the help fellas, I'm a bit wary of cocking it up to be honest so I may just get a garage to do it.

Does anyone know any good garages around North London that don't charge a bomb?

Thanks!

Perfect touch in Hoddesdon and Carrera Engineering in Nazing

Thanks for that mate!


Just been outside to the car after not starting it for almost a week.......the noise from the power steering pump has completely disappeared now however the steering is very very stiff, almost as if the car has no power steering. Am I right to diagnose the pump here? Seems like it could have completely packed in now.

Thanks

Can you see the belt still on?

I have to say that it would be quite difficult to cock it up! Just take your time and - as has already been suggested - take a note of where everything goes. The bottle screw to tighten the belt can be a problem but the solution has already been mentioned above... Banjo washers are pennies, but I anneal mine and reuse them. The hardest thing to do might be getting the car high enough to be able to get underneath it and have the room to work...

This is a fantastic opportunity to do a job on the car which isn't too challenging but which will give you an enormous sense of achievement and will save you a few quid too! I'm a firm believer in not relying entirely on recovery services and will wherever possible do all the work on the car myself.

Best of luck!

@t3rra - the belt is still on and the pulley is spinning

@Greggers - I am keep to give this a go myself, cheers for the boost! I've always worked on all my previous cars but am a bit nervy with this one but I do think it's one of the friendlier Porsches to work on. Before I get going I just want to diagdiagnose correctly to avoid wasted time.

The steering is incredibly hard at the moment but the belt is still on and the pulley is spinning. Does this mean the pump is functioning 100%?

Good man!

If you've fluid in the reservoir and the pump is turning, then the pump is probably in all fairness chuffed so you don't have a lot to lose by going for it!

If your not to far from me I can come and give you a hand if you like

Worse case could be rack leaking. Tuning pump dry, will ruin new pump have you found any fluid lose.

Can remove the bumper if don't want to get under car, Jack it up and take off wheel will get some comfort over under neath.

But to be fair it's not to bad jack up both or just the drivers side and go under from the front

The clue there of course would be a massive puddle of pump fluid under the car ....

But I'm assuming that you did check that there was fluid in the reservoir in the first place ....

@waylander - thanks for the offer! I'm in Wembley if that's not too far for you? Send me a message, thanks

@Greggers - I did check the fluid level and the reservoir still has fluid at the required level

Everything seems to be pointing at a knackered pump. Will give it a go this weekend!