Power steering woes

[Fiero]

I drive a 2004 GTP. Earlier this winter i had some power steering trouble. Before putting much thought into troubleshooting, I swapped out the pump. Only to find out that was not the issue. I discovered a leak on a line that runs along the front of the engine cradle. The line appears to be rigged as it has a section of rubber hose that is hose clamped into place. Anyway, the power steering pump that I installed (Oreileys Auto parts) whines like a mother. Plus, when I first start the car after sitting idle for several hours the power steering does not work. Then after a few moments the power steering comes back on, along with the whine. Any ideas on what is causing the horrible whine and initial delay? Trapped air?

Thanks,
Pal

 

[mystic231]

The whine comes from the fact it's a re-manufactured pump using a collection of parts that may or may not work well together. The only way to get a "like-new" feeling is to get a pump from the dealer. The dealer pump is a new pump built on the same machines, to the same specs, that your original pump was built to and has undergone two seperate tests for noise issues. GM dealers in my area are discounting parts (usually around 20%) to increase their parts business and increase showroom traffic.

after sitting idle for several hours the power steering does not work

This sounds like a rack issue, specifically a Magnasteer issue. Magnasteer varies the flow and pressure to adjust the feel of the steering based on the speed of the vehicle. Something could be sticking, especially when the power steering fluid is not warmed up (thicker viscosity).

P.S. My avatar is your pump made into a mascot.