Steering pump bracket - desperately seeking one

[Sardonicus]

TwinKam said:

The groaning is the pump's way of telling you not to hold it on full lock! ...it's really not good for it.

< This also make sure the filter in the res is not gunked up with years of fillth its a sintered brass design and can be back flushed if your handy, any restriction on flow will create noise but holding any PAS system on lock will make a protest so don't

[Technoholic]

Don't worry, I clearly made it sound like I was holding it on lock and wondering why it was noisy, I know that it's noisy on full lock, I was just making a point that it was extra loud on lock, more than it should be, but therein problem is the groaning at just normal driving steering, going round junction etc.

I did bleed the system, for ages, when I put it in, it was jacked up and it went lock to lock until the bubbles stopped. Probably about 30 times. Then I left it an hour and did it again before a drive. Still no difference.

I also heard on facebook about the reservoir possibly being blocked or damaged, I ordered a new one, hopefully it's something simple like that. However I realised that the groaning can sometimes be actually "felt" through the steering wheel. Possibly therefore I'm wondering if the rack is at fault however the noise is almost certainly coming from the pump not the rack

[TwinKam]

As unpalatable as it is, new parts can sometimes be faulty. These are 'sliding vane' type pumps, and it's not unknown for the vanes to become stuck in storage.

[Steve_D]

Have a word with Brian at Lawfield engineering 07810 018747.
He rebuilds these all the time (in the old TVR factory buildings).
He may be able to advise and may also be able to supply a service kit if you wanted to do it yourself.

Steve

[Technoholic]

TwinKam said:

As unpalatable as it is, new parts can sometimes be faulty. These are 'sliding vane' type pumps, and it's not unknown for the vanes to become stuck in storage.

Ok, I've got a couple other bits to check out first and if that doesn't work then I'll examine the part again.

[Technoholic]

Steve_D said:

Have a word with Brian at Lawfield engineering 07810 018747.
He rebuilds these all the time (in the old TVR factory buildings).
He may be able to advise and may also be able to supply a service kit if you wanted to do it yourself.

Steve

Thanks for that, I've dropped them a message so let's see what they say

[Technoholic]

One thing I just noticed is that the noise seems to get louder the longer the car is running or the hotter it gets. Any ideas?

[Classic Chim]

Is the noise coming from the pump or not?
Feel along the hoses until the vibrations get stronger and you should find the culprit.
Why did you change the pump in the first instance?

[Technoholic]

fairly sure it is, I need to get a helper to turn the wheel while I listen/feel but all signs point to that. I changed it because we believed it was leaking and/or damaged because also the hoses were leaking in 2 places, so we thought the pump may have been starved and damaged itself leading to the noise. Maybe it wasn't damaged after all

[Technoholic]

Well, I changed the reservoir today. Drained and put new fluid in again. I thought we were on to a winner but it seems not. Just as loud as before. What I noticed though is the noise is actually there when driving straight, just not as loud, and gets very high pitched from about 4K rpm. Obviously much much louder when steering at slow speeds. That’s got to be belt and/or tensioner right? Does the alternator belt whine like that? I’ve only heard them screeching.
I’ve listened to the various items with a screwdriver, I don’t think this specific noise is coming from anything I can reach. It might be the belt itself or maybe the water pump?

[Classic Chim]

Remove the belt by putting a spanner on the tensioner wheel and loosening the tension ( take a photo of the belt orientation) before you do so!
Now check first the tensioner plastic wheel for free movement and absolutely no noise. Even the slightest sound will be magnified.
Same with water pump and you don’t want to feel free play or gritty or anything but smooth operation.

[Technoholic]

Will do, I have a new tensioner coming next week anyway, so will rule that out. With the water pump, if the pulley is at fault, is that easily changeable or does that mean whole new pump?

[Sardonicus]

On the feed from res to pump (non high pressure) check the internal hose liner as not come away/de-laminated thus restricting flow or collapsed internally not visible from outside seen this many times with rubber hoses inc brake hoses

[Technoholic]

I’ve just put on the John Zubak res to pump hose so that’s brand new

[Sardonicus]

Wont be that then I also have that kit

[Technoholic]

So an update, I’ve changed the belt and tensioner today. Good job I did as the tensioner was crunching like crazy, however this was not unfortunately the cause of the noise. It’s still there and now I’m fairly certain is much louder after driving or when the engine/pas oil gets hot. I’m still getting some white smoke under the bonnet but I’m sure this is down to spilt fluid on the rockers when filling.

I’m left with now it being either the rack, or the new pump is also faulty. Any other ideas? It’s strange how it get worse when warm, that’s what’s throwing me