1998.5 A4 Avant w/Power Steering issue

**crazymofo** · 07-16-2008 07:23 AM

Hello, I purchased a 1998.5 3V w/130K on the odometer. I had my mechanic do a full tune up, timing belt and all vital parts, and swap the Power Steering pump (it was making a rattling sound) After the PS swap, all was fine (no sounds at all) About 25 miles later-same sound resurfaced!

So, he swapped in another PS. Sound went away, but it came back after ~20 miles. The fluid level was drained and refilled w/Audi fluid. Fluid level remains the same-no leak. Neither one of us can figure out why this is happening. Could we have swapped in two bad pumps? These were remanufactured units from his parts distributor, so I don't know if that is possible.

Thanks,
Joe

**crazymofo** · 07-16-2008 09:56 PM

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

**MattzWarsteiner** · 07-16-2008 11:11 PM

Sure that the noise is coming from the PS pump right? There are other accessories + the tensioner that share that belt and can make noise nearby. A closer listen to the noise with a stethoscope or piece of rubber vacuum line might zero in on the rattler.

If you know its coming from the pump, maybe the mech didn't bleed the system completely. This will most likely produce bubbly fluid.

Bleeding is just jacking the front of the car, and moving the wheel, engine off, lock to lock a dozen or so times. Fill reservoir as you go.

**crazymofo** · 07-17-2008 10:45 AM

Sound is definitely coming from the pump. We listened to it with a stetoscope. The funny thing is that both pumps we swapped in were quiet for 20 or so miles. After that it starts rattling. If there was a compromise in one of the lines that introduced air, wouldn't fluid leak from the same place? Fluid levels are constant and no signs of a leak in the engine compartment or floor.

I will try this bleeding methos this weekend and see what happens. With the car off. Correct?

**MattzWarsteiner** · 07-21-2008 10:27 PM

Oh man, sorry for the ADD. Yeah wheels up in front and engine off to bleed.

Air can be introduced by the reservoir connections or the return line from the rack but if this is the cause, both should leak at least a little one would think......

After a drive, is the fluid at all bubbly in the jug?