Power Steering Failure, Help!

[McShanks]

Started up my Z today, no power steering! If I keep turning the wheel, the pump TRIES to help, and sometimes succeeds for a second. Belt looks ok, but there is alot of noise coming from the pump area. I think it is the pump, maybe a bad bearing, need a new one I think. Anyway, I need to know for sure before I spend $150 or so on a new pump, and I can't find any definitive PS troubleshooting guide. Any help, please! I know I can pull the belt off and drive the car, some people do that just for the added engine power, (technically removal of power user, but whatever) but I want my PS back ASAP. Thanks!

-Z

[robomatic12]

Did you check if there is any fluid in the resivoir? 300zx takes mercon/dextron atf and not power steering fluid.

[McShanks]

Yes, there is fluid at proper level in reservoir.

[robomatic12]

How is the tension on the belt? What is the deflection measured on the longer part in the middle? Do you hear belt squeel or is it hard to tell

[J30tChumpCar]

I am not talking from a 300zx position but on my J30 the filter screen in the reservoir could fool someone into believing everything is up to level when it is not, so if z32s have the same drop in screen, simply pull it out temporarily.

[McShanks]

So, I pulled the filter out, and sure enough, it's empty! Looked more around the pump, and there is a pool of fluid on the pulley. So, I am thinking I could go get some Dextron ATF, refill and watch for leaks. which I must have one if there is fluid on the pulley, which also suggests that the pump may need to be replaced. I have not seen any fluid in that area before, but I just don't know, yet. Any suggestions before I put the new fluid in there?

[J30tChumpCar]

Glad my idea was relevant.

Just refill (dont get discouraged if it burps,erupts, moans or dont work right at first, keep trying) then run the car and steering with a helper to locate the leak, sometimes you may have to clean up first to pinpoint. Even with a leak you could keep refilling till its convenient to replace the hose or pump.

[McShanks]

There is a puddle of the stuff under the car I forgot to mention, so I don't think it is just a slow leak. I looked, and there is no fluid on or near any of the hoses/lines, just on the pulley and the ground directly under it. I am going to put a little fluid in there to see if the pump works, and if it does I will just get gaskets. I have a sneaking suspicion it is the pump itself, since it seems the leak is located at the pump shaft, indicating bearing failure or seal failure or something to that effect. Not an expensive item either. Just a PITA.

[McShanks]

how do I get the blasted upper tube off!?!?!?!

[McShanks]

+1 Bump of Frustration...

[robomatic12]

What upper tube are you referring too? :/

[McShanks]

Power Steering pump outlet tube. Took a 24mm socket. Which sucks because my 1" was just large enough that it would slip with some torque, so I went and bought a 24mm socket for $6 at Ace. But I got the upper tube off now, and pump came out easily enough. I only had to remove the passenger side intake hose to get it out. I ordered a new accessory belt as well. New pump and belt should be here in a couple days. I also took the reservoir off to clean it.

It is fun to drive with no power steering but at least it is not FWD... The cause: bearing is bad, the pump shaft is slightly loose and I can see where all the fluid was coming out. I will grab a bottle of the Dextron Automatic Transmission Fluid to put in there once the new one is back in. For those of you who have not dealt with power steering on the Z32, MAKE SURE you put in Dextron ATF!!! Do NOT put in Power Steering fluid!!! I know this sounds counter-intuitive, but so many things with these cars ARE counter-intuitive. I did the research so you don't have to.

I will post up results once the new pump is in. Probably Friday evening. Thanks!

[robomatic12]

Good to hear your getting it sorted out!

[McShanks]

New pump came in last night, got it put in in about an hour. Any info on belt tension specifics? I tensioned it enough so that it is tight but can still be deflected easily. It isn't slipping, so I know it's tight enough, but I am not sure exactly how tight it is supposed to be. Works great, though, better than it did before when I first got the car.

[HOSTvallo]

New pump came in last night, got it put in in about an hour. Any info on belt tension specifics? I tensioned it enough so that it is tight but can still be deflected easily. It isn't slipping, so I know it's tight enough, but I am not sure exactly how tight it is supposed to be. Works great, though, better than it did before when I first got the car.

I think I read somewhere that there should be 1/3" slack? Somewhere near that.. no more than 1/2" I'd assume.