Rack and pinion replacement

WPD117

MEMBER
2001 BUICK SKYLARK
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
165,000 MILES

On a 2001 Buick rack and pinion power steering system the rack is very hard as if the engine is not running when u rev the engine it gets a little easier to steer but the pump is not making any noise. Can a pump still fail with no noise?

Secondly is there any surprises in the removal of the unit. We replace ford fwd racks all the time Thanks for any help in this matter

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

The pump does not have to make noise in order for it to fail. So if it is hard to steer but gets easier when you raise the RPM that sounds like a pump is failing or is low on fluid.

I would suggest following these guides to start and find out if you discover the issue:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-problems

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-power-steering-pump

If you do not then I would suggest flushing the fluid just to make sure it is okay.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-fluid-flush

Short of that you are going to have to replace the pump. I also included the process below on how to change the rack and pinion in case you want that as well.

Please let us know if you have other questions. Thanks

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