Power steering belt replaced, now its 'clattering'

[Mochaduc77]

About two weeks ago, I attempted to replace the power steering belt in my 2003 M45. It was difficult and I ran out of time, so I left it off for the time being. Two nights ago, I was finally able to put the new belt on. Seemed to go on okay and I had no major complains. It sounded a bit different, but not anything that made me think there was a problem I figured it was new belts breaking in. Last night the GF calls and says "it has no power steering!". I checked for myself when I got home and sure enough, it worked only intermittently. It also made what I can only describe as a chattering noise. It wasn't a whine or squeal. I checked the belts, both still on good. There was a decent amount of leakage, and it did look like PS fluid. I took it for a spin around the block and the PS seemed to work, but the sound persisted. When I got home, I noticed that PS fluid seemed to be coming out the top of the reservoir, even with the cap on. Does anyone have any insight as to what the issue might be and what the fix is?

[steve_c]

I might be going out on a limb here, but here it goes!
I do not think leaving the belt off for several weeks would damage anything.
If I am wrong, and damage did occur, it may be due to a blockage or a bypass,(possibly a damaged rack seal) causing the reservoir overflow.

Putting the above conjecture aside, (would need gauges to diagnose, not a conjecture) I would double check the routing of your PS belt to be sure it is correct. You might be riding on the wrong side of a pulley, causing the noise, and maybe this incorrect routing is changing the ratio of the PS pump, making the PS pump spin faster, (thereby causing spillover).

[EdBwoy]

I also think that there's a chance that a steering rack system designed with power steering in mind, might not do very well without that assist pump for a long period. I think some car modifiers remove the power assist systems for weight savings, so I'm not sure how deep my assumption goes.

For the clattering, this is my guess without video. The pulley might be bent or otherwise off. The m45 PS system is rather simple - only 2 pulleys, one idler and a short belt, but if that pulley has a wobble then it will slap the belt sideways. If it's slapping up and down, then a bearing should be screaming as well.

What do you see when it's running? Does the noise change when you hold the steering wheel to either side?

[Mochaduc77]

I got underneath while it was running and the belt/pulley seem to be running well. The belt is aligned and riding where it should. After doing more research and talking to coworkers, it seems a PS flush might be in order. If any air were in the lines, it might be the cause of fluid being pushed back up out of the reservoir. I dont think the pump itself is bad, being that it does work intermittently. One thing I havent done yet is turn the wheel from lock to lock yet, making sure I get the fluid thoroughly dispersed. Obviously that'll be my next move, then a flush. Any pro tips to make that go smoothly? I appreciate you guys' help and input!

[EdBwoy]

Did you also replace the fluid while dealing with the belt? Just wondering why the fluid would act up after the replacement.

And a pump with air could make those popping, crackling sounds too, so that's worth checking.

[Mochaduc77]

Did you also replace the fluid while dealing with the belt? Just wondering why the fluid would act up after the replacement.

And a pump with air could make those popping, crackling sounds too, so that's worth checking.

I had the same thoughts. I just went out to the parking lot and turned the wheel, lock to lock a few times. I think the sound is decreased now, but its entirely likely that I should replace some of the fluid, given what has leaked and what got re-introduced into the pump by turning the wheel.