Boxster PAS pump cost to fix?

[Frimley111R]

Not checked yet but SWMBO just came back to say the car 'isn't steering'. Obvious issue is the PAS pump I guess. What am I looking at to sort? Car is an 03 2.7 model.

[Pope]

Unlikely to be the pump; its possible the rack has leaked all the fluid out making the steering heavy but it's equally likely the reservoir or a pipe has split........

Check the rack boots first; usual failure is the rack seals.......

[D900SP]

Are you sure the alternator belt hasn't broken? Which can be caused by water pump failure and consequent loss of power steering.

[Frimley111R]

D900SP said:

Are you sure the alternator belt hasn't broken? Which can be caused by water pump failure and consequent loss of power steering.

Nope, its hard to even see the engine. How can I check easily? Just checked and the is definately zero power assistance.

[Tripe Bypass]

Not trying to be clever but have you checked the PAS fluid level in the reservoir? If it a hydraulic problem that level is going to be really low to offer no assistance whatsover. If low, pull the boots/bellows away from the steering rack housing. Might find the missing fluid there. Just a starting point.

Edited by Tripe Bypass on Thursday 15th November 22:21

[D900SP]

Frimley111R said:

Nope, its hard to even see the engine. How can I check easily? Just checked and the is definately zero power assistance.

If with the engine running, the charge (battery warning light) light is on, the belt is broken.

[Frimley111R]

D900SP said:

Frimley111R said:

Nope, its hard to even see the engine. How can I check easily? Just checked and the is definately zero power assistance.

If with the engine running, the charge (battery warning light) light is on, the belt is broken.

Yep, tried that, no light.

[Frimley111R]

Tripe Bypass said:

Not trying to be clever but have you checked the PAS fluid level in the reservoir? If it a hydraulic problem that level is going to be really low to offer no assistance whatsover. If low, pull the boots/bellows away from the steering rack housing. Might find the missing fluid there. Just a starting point.

Edited by Tripe Bypass on Thursday 15th November 22:21

Not yet but the car just had a major service so I'd hope they checked that.

[Frimley111R]

Quick update, a pipe had come loose causing the PAS fluid to leak out. All fixed now. Thankfully no big bill!

[MogulBoy]

Were there any other symptoms such as a terrible noise?

A year ago, my car started making a dreadful noise from cold that I couldn't put my finger on as it didn't seem to change when I blipped the throttle... It was at its worst when steering lock was applied but it didn't occur to me at the time that it might have been a PAS fluid leak leading to a dry pump. I certainly don't recall losing all assistance but I believe that the problem was traced and the fluid was topped-up at the last service.

However, I suspect that I might be carrying some excess wear on the pump although it could just be that I'm now more aware of the noise that the pump makes.

Does anyone know if it an engine out job to replace the pump and the approx time/cost involved?

[Frimley111R]

No, no noise at all. My mechanic did say it could have been at least £500 to do this job so you might need to brace yourself for that one.

[MogulBoy]

The noise adds character that you just don't get with electric steering, so I will save my pennies!

[Frimley111R]

Interestingly the steering now seems much smoother with the new fluid. It wasn't bad before but the fluid has really made a nice difference. Well worth doing I'd say

[uknick]

Frimley111R said:

Interestingly the steering now seems much smoother with the new fluid. It wasn't bad before but the fluid has really made a nice difference. Well worth doing I'd say

Does PAS fluid degenerate over the years? If so, then I guess a fluid change might be worth doing after a number of years, even if it is not leaking?