Power steering not working?

Tiny
MATT T
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE
  • 3.6L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 166,000 MILES
No power steering. Put pressure gauge on vehicle. Started car 80PSI on pressure gauge. Turn wheels all the way pressure goes to 1,300PSI. Manually closed the valve on pressure gauge no increase at all when I deadhead the pump. Guage reads zero. Pressure should build up if I'm restricting the valve. Correct? Bought rebuild kit for pump but not sure if a couple of gaskets will fix it. Any ideas?
Wednesday, July 6th, 2022 AT 5:39 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
No, the pressure will go to zero when blocked, the pump has an internal relief valve to dump pressure when blocked or none is needed. Does the pump have wires coming off of it? If not the selector valve inside the rack is out and needs replacement. Here are instructions in the diagrams below on how to do so. Check out the diagrams (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.
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Thursday, July 7th, 2022 AT 11:53 AM
Tiny
MATT T
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
All the videos I watched showed the pressure should build up when I restrict the gauge. Not go to zero. That's why I thought the pump was not working. How much pressure should there be at idle on the pump? Mine is at 80PSI. Some people sat there should be a few hundred PSI at idle. Thanks
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Thursday, July 7th, 2022 AT 1:16 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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The fact that it goes to 1,300 pounds means the pump is working. When the wheels are not being turned the pressure is idle 80 pounds, then when needed the pressure ramps up. Are there any codes? If you have not run, then we should this guide can help, also are there any wires coming from the pump? The pump could be on the edge of not working and it needs a rebuild but I have seen this problem before and the rack fixed it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please run down this guide and report back.

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Saturday, July 9th, 2022 AT 9:36 AM
Tiny
MATT T
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Sounds understandable. But no pressure building up is what gets me. Only wires on pump are on the rack and it's the power steering pressure switch and I tested it. Engine RPM speeds goes up when I turn wheels all the way. All good and no codes or check engine lights on dash. I'm thinking of buying the pump cause maybe it's starting to fail? Another gentleman I spoke with who worked for Porsche said replace the pump. He said anything over 150,000 pumps are known to go. Thanks for your help. I'll keep you posted when the pump arrives in the mail. If you think of anything else, please feel free to reply. Matt
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Saturday, July 9th, 2022 AT 1:58 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Yep, it could be the pump failing intermittently, here are the instructions on how to change the pump out. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
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Sunday, July 10th, 2022 AT 1:17 PM
Tiny
MATT T
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks. I'll keep you posted when the new pump comes in.
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Sunday, July 10th, 2022 AT 5:43 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Please do, it will help others.
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Monday, July 11th, 2022 AT 10:01 AM
Tiny
MATT T
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
No problem. Everyone needs help once in a while. God bless. Enjoy your day!
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Monday, July 11th, 2022 AT 10:16 AM

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