Power Steering Woes

[behind-bars]

Ok... I have a nice how-to in techtips forum for how to replace a 4.9 Liter Power Steering Pump, Hopefully I won't have to follow it again.

My initial problem was that I always have had a slight groan from the engine since I got the car, When the water pump failed and I replaced it, I hoped that would fix the noise, but it was still their. Over time the steering got more noisy, when I turned the steering wheel I could hear the engine rpms and pitch change and I could feel resistance through the steering wheel. When I turned to the wheel locks I could hear a distinct groan/grinding sound along with a loud groan when I would back up in the parking lot. I changed the power steering fluid and the noise calmed down for a few days but would always come back. Last week I decided to install a new PS pump, The install went fine and I put new fluid in it again. The engine groan was still their, but the extra noise at the wheel locks dissapeared so I thought that was the end of it.

I drove a bit then topped off the fluid so I know its full, However tonight I did a U-Turn and the groan came back when the wheel is turned near to the wheel lock.

Does this sound like a bad power steering pump, or is thier some other part of the system that would cause the noises I have. Could thier be a leak in the line that is letting air in without leaking a noticeable amount of fluid?

[behind-bars]

Just taking a quick look around at things today I noticed something I hadn't before. With the car running in park on a pretty level parking lot, If I turn the wheel right I can see the hood drop several inches in that direction, Trying to turn left it was noisy and had quite a bit of resistance so not sure if the hood would drop in that direction too. That seem right?

[Dave S Texas]

When I got my car in '97 the steering system had a slight noise to it, but, it wasn't broke, so I didn't fix it.
My recent project to install a new engine gave me the opportunity to change the ps pump and lines. I bought a reman unit from a reliable rebuild company. It was a groaner. Returned it and got a replacement. The second unit does have a slight noise, but it's gotten quieter with use. The noise is barely audible but not enough to bother me. It ain't broke, so I ain't gonna fix it....(anymore)

[behind-bars]

I hate to go get a new pump, Mine is supposed to have a lifetime warranty, I don't have the receipt anymore though after the majority of the noise went away for a week I tossed it out, then did a U turn that night and heard the loud groan Maybe I'll still be able to exchange it if I decide I have too, I am putting a new belt on today so maybe that will help, old one is a little stretched so maybe that has something to do with it.