[mitsenoj]

Hi some advice please- my power steering intermittently makes quite a noticeable hi pitched noise - obviously more noticeable at low speeds and when low speed manoeuvring. (Gen 3 - 3.2 Did 2000 - 200 000km)

It tends to come and go - I assume at some point it will go pear shaped though.

Questions -
1) I assume I will still be able to steer if it does - with difficulty
2) Has anybody replaced - had a pump reconditioned - any idea of costs?

Thanx Tim

[4ePikanini]

yes you will still have steering if the pump fails but are you sure the problem is the pump?

Have you tried replacing the power steering fluid?

[mitsenoj]

Hi - definitely I plan to do this as a hopeful quick fix - next oil change is almost due so I was going to tackle them together - how easy is it to drain the old oil - any tricks / things to watch out for?

[Gerrit Loubser]

Replacing the power steering fluid is not a bad idea, but even before you do that you could perhaps try to bleed the system to remove any trapped air. A colleague of mine had a similar issue on his Gen 3 3.5 V6 recently and that was apparently all it took to silence the power steering system. i must say that it had me a little puzzled, because normally power steering hydraulic systems are able to purge any air automatically.

[mitsenoj]

Hi All

Just some feedback - did a flush of system and replaced the fluid and touch wood seems to have done the trick.

Interesting to note that I did find reference to a early design change to the fluid bottle as it was causing air entrapment, wasn't a recall but dealer would do it if complain received.

So if noise returns I'll try that next - although possible it has already been done

Tim

[Wessel]

Hi Tim,

Is it possible to post more details on the fluid bottle design change. Which dealership did you speak to ? I'm having power steering problems (no noise, just not working properly)and at this point considering a possible pump recon.

[mitsenoj]

Hi Wessel

Sorry don't have pics - it was a while back but I think it was a post on a Aussie forum where they spoke about bottle change.

Mine is still quiet as anything almost 10K later, so quite happy for now.....

[Wessel]

Hi Tim,

Thanks, maybe worth flushing mine before taking it apart. Symptoms are different - no noise, but losing power. But maybe still worth the try.

[MThompson]

Good day All

My Pajero (2002, 3.2Di-D Auto) started making a noise the past few mornings when turning the steering. It goes woooooooooer (how do you explain a asound in text? )

In the afternoons it is fine, but I doubt if it is temp related as its not cold in the mornings anymore but I have only noticed it once in the afternoon.

Any ideas? From what I've gathered, it probably need a fluid top up or maybe just a bleed, does the open up the bottle and turning the steering from left to right work?

What fluid do I use, and where to buy (stealers or any spares shop)?

Thanx in advance.

[mitsenoj]

Your symptoms and the sound are spot on - flush sorted it out and its still fine.

Sorry I palmed the work off so don't know how he did it - but it sure worked...