ebluekeys

My power steering pump is starting to make loud "TICK TICK TICK" noises while idling hot. A new pump is only 50 bucks, but I was told by a knowledgeable guy that maybe my "reaction valve" is misadjusted. Where the heck is this part, and what is the proper adjustment procedure. Will this make my steering easier/harder, or what? If it's out of whack, I'd hate to put in a new pump and ruin it in short order. Going down the road, the car tracks nicely, and the pump doesn't make any noise unless I'm moving the wheel.

jlg2002

Believe it's next to the muffler bearing! (I think the guy is pulling your leg). Change the pump.

Scott H.

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stanger53

The reaction valve is a small valve inside the control valve housing. It has no adjustments.

Adjusting the centering spring tension on the control valve will have no effect on the pump. This adjustment sets the bias the system has between turning left ot right. If the system has power assist equally both directions, the valve is correctly adjusted.

The problem is in the pump, most likely the campack. There is probably a worn spot inside the campack and the slippers are making this sound when they hit it. You won't notice it as much when the pump speeds up.

Scott H.

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ebluekeys

I thing the fellow who talked about the campack is right. WHen I'm driving the noise doesn't happen, just when its sitting idling after its warmed up. I'm going to pick up another pump tomorrow. We'll see if it makes a difference when I get it back on the road. Still got to finish up putting the front end back together with the new fluid damper. THis will be my last attempt at fixed a high speed vibration that's bugged me for years. New motor mounts a month ago really tamed the vibration a lot, but I can still feel it above 65. Sure hope the fluid damper is the final fix.

Thanks for the suggestions. I've already got a book - just need to open it up!!