Noisy PS Pump

[Colesy]

Bought a recon ps pump last year due to the old one being especially noisy. Fitted the recon unit and it sounded much better, but within 2 weeks it was noisy as ever.

So assumed that the new one was kaput, sent it back, it was sent for testing and they say there is nothing wrong with it.

The noise from both pumps is like a sewing machine, not like the groaning on load type noise that you sometimes get with ps pumps.

The retailer has suggested that there might be a restriction in the system which is causing the noise, or that it is something else making the noise. I'm sure it's the ps pump making the noise, just not sure why.

Has anyone had similar issues?

[pwadjo]

I had this

I had exactly the same problem with a URS4. It sounded like a subtle clacking noise. I initially thought it was a spun rod bearing but i went around the engine with a long screwdriver and held it to my ear touching it off everything and discovered that it was the PS pump. Changed it out for a second hand one and the noise went away. Unless they put it into a car how could they know its not making noise?

[UrS4boy]

The noise from both pumps is like a sewing machine, not like the groaning on load type noise that you sometimes get with ps pumps.

"Normal" power steering pumps are very likely vane pumps which would "groan" under load. With our 20VT cars, Audi fit a tandem pump, with the power steering pump, a vane pump, and the power brake pump, a piston pump (to acheive the high pressures needed to charge the pressure accumulator (aka "bomb")). The knocking you hear will be due to an issue with the power brake (piston) portion of the tandem pump.

How our Power Steering and Power Brake Pump Works:

http://forums.quattroworld.com/s4s6/msgs/38240.phtml

[Martc55]

Bought a recon ps pump last year due to the old one being especially noisy. Fitted the recon unit and it sounded much better, but within 2 weeks it was noisy as ever.

So assumed that the new one was kaput, sent it back, it was sent for testing and they say there is nothing wrong with it.

The noise from both pumps is like a sewing machine, not like the groaning on load type noise that you sometimes get with ps pumps.

The retailer has suggested that there might be a restriction in the system which is causing the noise, or that it is something else making the noise. I'm sure it's the ps pump making the noise, just not sure why.

Has anyone had similar issues?

Deja vu, I had exactly the same thing happen, new recon pump which was noisy and like you told there was nothing wrong with the pump, refitted and still noisy....

[Wrath]

Wasent there a thread about rebuilding these PS pumps? and some shiming was the trick to get this clicking noise down a bit...

[UrS4boy]

Graham T's PS / PB tandem pump rebuild

Wasent there a thread about rebuilding these PS pumps? and some shiming was the trick to get this clicking noise down a bit...

Here is Graham T's PS/PB tandem pump rebuild that I converted to a single pdf:

http://12v.org/urs/GrahamTsPSPBPumpStripDownDIY.pdf

[Colesy]

Wasent there a thread about rebuilding these PS pumps? and some shiming was the trick to get this clicking noise down a bit...

Would be good to know more about this, anyone have any details of the shimming required?

[Colesy]

Here is Graham T's PS/PB tandem pump rebuild that I converted to a single pdf:

http://12v.org/urs/GrahamTsPSPBPumpStripDownDIY.pdf

Cheers for the details Dave.

I had exactly the same problem with a URS4. It sounded like a subtle clacking noise. I initially thought it was a spun rod bearing but i went around the engine with a long screwdriver and held it to my ear touching it off everything and discovered that it was the PS pump. Changed it out for a second hand one and the noise went away. Unless they put it into a car how could they know its not making noise?

Deja vu, I had exactly the same thing happen, new recon pump which was noisy and like you told there was nothing wrong with the pump, refitted and still noisy....

So it's a common problem then, mine is so noisy that it's louder than the engine!

[newsh]

I went through 3 recon'd pumps which were all either noisy, leaky or both, eventually found a good second hand original one and it's been fine for a a couple of years..

[Rusty]

Belt + WD40 = Silence.

[macspring]

Bought a reconditioned steering pump for Quattro Corner a few years ago and it has been perfect since fitting back then.

Not the cheapest option, but just sayin……….

NCTS.

[Martc55]

Bought a reconditioned steering pump for Quattro Corner a few years ago and it has been perfect since fitting back then.

Not the cheapest option, but just sayin……….

NCTS.

Ok so thats 50% success rate then if you count ours both together.......

I have sourced a NOS pump which will go on the car at some point

What I have noticed about the recon pumps is the part number is different and would suggest a lower pump pressure although told it was the same pressure as my later part number.

So perhaps its not supplying enough flow and making a noise. You can hear mine at idle.

[Colesy]

Ok so thats 50% success rate then if you count ours both together.......

I have sourced a NOS pump which will go on the car at some point

What I have noticed about the recon pumps is the part number is different and would suggest a lower pump pressure although told it was the same pressure as my later part number.

So perhaps its not supplying enough flow and making a noise. You can hear mine at idle.

Make that 33%

[Colesy]

Belt + WD40 = Silence.

Will have to try that, pretty sure it's the pump internals making the noise though. Where do you spray the WD40?

[Rikki Kitto]

I bought a second one of fleabay for £35 then got the seal kit from TPS for £30 just had it fitted and everything sounds fine no leaks old one sounded like a sewing machine too