Failed power steering pump swap

[DarrenOman]

As the heading reads, tried to swop out my ps pump without success. I removed the two left bolts but wasn't sure what right side bolt to remove. From the picture is it the bigger or smaller bolt?.

All in all, i couldn't remove the upper bolt from the drive shift shield and the right side sway bar nuts are spinning on the bolt, so couldn't fully remove the bar off the car. (I'll add the fix to my list)

Thanks for the usual help 😊

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[DarrenOman]

Since my failed removal, i havent been able to keep the pump quiet. I lifted the front of the car to release the air and all was good. As soon as i started driving it the pump is screaming and has been all week.
Will try to switch it out this week as my wife says the loud pump noise is too embarrassing

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[DarrenOman]

For anyone needing to change out your PS pump. Loosen the 3 bolts shown on the left (driver) side of the timing cover plate, support the subframe and remove the engine mount bracket. PS pump has two pipe connectors, one 22mm (i think) and one expandable hose clip.

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[VinnysS4]

Did you bleed the power steering system per the manual? It will scream in protest if it's not done right

[DarrenOman]

I jacked the car up and turned the wheel 10pumpye back and forth. let it sit and repeat a couple of times, but no joy.

Changed the pump out and it was dead quiet, once it warmed up the pump started getting noisey again, but not as bad.

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[jakeoboy67]

are you sure there is enough fluid in the system?

as per the TSB, so 10mm above the "max" line , when warm.

[VinnysS4]

Yeah that is part of the bleeding process. The manual says to turn the wheel left to right ten times and then turn the car on let the car run for no more than 2 seconds and shut it off. It says to repeat this several times. When I drained and filled my system, it probably took six or seven times before all the air was out.

[VinnysS4]

When you look into the power steering reservoir, is the fluid foamy or does it look like it came out of a can. what fluid did you use?

[DarrenOman]

Plenty of fluid in the system. Car is super quiet when cold, but i am getting a vibration noise from the hard pipe line coming off the pump once the car has warmed up. I know the hard line has a retaining clip/clamp missing but the line is not touching anything else to vibrate against.


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[VinnysS4]

This is copied and pasted from my repair manual for bleeding the Power Steering system:

"Different bleeding procedures are required after repairs to the steering system, depending on which components have been removed or replaced.

After replacement of the entire steering system or steering gear:
Check hydraulic fluid level and top off if necessary.
Raise vehicle until front wheels are free.
Start engine briefly (maximum 2 seconds ) Pump must not draw in any air; steering wheel must not be turned.
Wait approximately 30 seconds each time before starting engine again.
Check hydraulic fluid level and top off if necessary.
Keep repeating this procedure until fluid level remains constant.
With engine switched off, turn steering wheel 10 times from lock to lock.
Check hydraulic fluid level and top off if necessary.
Start engine.
Turn steering wheel 10 times from lock to lock.
Check hydraulic fluid level and top off if necessary. Any air remaining in the steering system will dissipate when the vehicle has been driven 10 to 20 km .
When other steering components (except steering gear) have been removed or replaced (e.g. pump, hoses, etc.):
Check hydraulic fluid level and top off if necessary.
Start engine briefly (maximum 2 seconds ) Pump must not draw in any air; steering wheel must not be turned.
Wait approximately 30 seconds each time before starting engine again.

Check hydraulic fluid level and top off if necessary.
Keep repeating this procedure until fluid level remains constant.
Start engine and allow to run for 2 - 3 minutes ; do not turn steering. Any air remaining in the steering system will dissipate when the vehicle has been driven 10 to 20 km ."


edit* I might add, that when i didn't do this procedure, my power steering system let me know it wasn't bled right. haha. you cant simply drain the system and dump some fluid in it and start it. Any air that is in the pump will cause serious foam inside the pump and it can cause the new pump to fail.

[DarrenOman]

Thanks Vinny. I'll try this again tonight and will also buy a new pipe clamp from Audi, just to make sure everything is as it should be. This has been one of the more challenging repairs to date, but totally do-able. Just need time and patience