Power Steering Noise and Vibration Issue 2000 ACR - On Track

[George Murray]

Took my 2000 ACR to the track last weekend (VIR in VA) and the steering pump shot 3 or 4 ounces of fluid through the port on the top of the cap. Which ended up on the windshield since the car has a vented autoform hood...

This happened just as I started the second lap of my first session. The steering pump was very noisy, and I could feel the high-frequency vibration through the steering wheel.

I pitted the car and on inspection saw no bubbles in the fluid, and no leaks anywhere in the PS system.

Shame on me - I have never changed the PS fluid in almost 5 1/2 years of ownership. The car has had LOTS of track use.

Anyone think a PS fluid change would solve the problem? That burpage of fluid indicates an internal pressure problem I guess...

Thanks in advance for any advice. George

 

[dave6666]

It sounds like you need a new pump and maybe a system flush. To get the pump parts out of the steering rack...

I don't think fresh fluid would be anything other than a temporary band-aid. If that.

 

[George Murray]

Funny thing...this week I'm doing an upper engine rebuild on a 2002 Grand Cherokee 4.0 I-6, and that steering pump sure looks familiar...gotta give it a closer look.

Thanks for the input Dave. George

 

[Steve-Indy]

I suppose you could try some Redline P/S fluid...assuming that the "noise and vibration issue" subsided when things cooled down, and are now absent.

 

[George Murray]

Gonna try the synthetic fluid chage first then beat the hell outta the car and see what transpires.

 

[JonB]

Took my 2000 ACR to the track last weekend (VIR in VA) and the steering pump shot 3 or 4 ounces of fluid through the port on the top of the cap.
Shame on me - I have never changed the PS fluid in almost 5 1/2 years of ownership. The car has had LOTS of track use.

Anyone think a PS fluid change would solve the problem? That burpage of fluid indicates an internal pressure problem I guess...

Thanks in advance for any advice. George

GM: You hit the SHAME mea-culpa 100% right, and you hit that pump DNA right on the head as well. Pump is PROBABLY ok, but you have to flush the lines too..... the vibration shuld go away quickly. Over-flush, and come back and suction the resrevoir aftter 50-100 miles and fill that again, maybe TWICE.... Even readily-avail Valvoline Super-Syn is good.

HEY GUYS, Let George's self-proclaimed PAIN be your CHEAP LESSON: Fluid Changes Frequently on ALL Viper PS Pumps. And on Gen 2, change pulley and bracket !!!

 

[Jay Lopez]

Took my 2000 ACR to the track last weekend (VIR in VA) and the steering pump shot 3 or 4 ounces of fluid through the port on the top of the cap. Which ended up on the windshield since the car has a vented autoform hood...

This happened just as I started the second lap of my first session. The steering pump was very noisy, and I could feel the high-frequency vibration through the steering wheel.

I pitted the car and on inspection saw no bubbles in the fluid, and no leaks anywhere in the PS system.

Shame on me - I have never changed the PS fluid in almost 5 1/2 years of ownership. The car has had LOTS of track use.

Anyone think a PS fluid change would solve the problem? That burpage of fluid indicates an internal pressure problem I guess...

Thanks in advance for any advice. George

George,
I had similar problems in my 97 GTS. I did a flush of the power steering fluid and used Redline, and added a power steering cooler. I never had a problem again.

 

[dave6666]

That must be a pretty robust pump and servo to have a fluid problem that shows itself as a mechanical problem (vibration) and then all can be well later.