running a power steering pump dry...

[Mr Blue]

Sup.

Picked up a mk2 the other day. The previous owner ran the power steering pump dry (and he was a vag technician  )

The power steering rack was leaking hence running it dry for a month.
Ive just changed it for a mk3 rack...Its almost identical. Ive swapped the tie rods over as the mk3 ones were too long. (thanks for the tip RJ)

Now I cant test the new rack from the steering wheel as the UV joint has diffrent splines and I have to collect the part tomorrow. Basicaly the steering is not connected.

Ive done a test by hand by moving the tie rods back and forth. They seem to have alot of resistance in the rack as if the power steering is not working.
I cant hear the pump whine or the revs drop.

Questions:
Is this normal?
If the pump has been running dry for so long can it fail?


blue

[Khare]

power steering pumps DO NOT like running dry. This is the reason mine failed earlier this year. The seal around the pulley went because the rack was leaking, and at the time I couldn't afford to buy PAS fluid, level was just barely touching the measuring stick aka dry...anyway, on a short journey the PAS packed up and ended up having to buy a new pump.

[Mr Blue]

I checked the pump for leaks. Cant see any.

I also looked in the resevior and didnt see the fluid moving like in my other golf.

[tony_ack]

If it feels like it ain't working, sounds like it ain't working and looks like it ain't working, it probably ain't working 

The revs usually do drop slightly under operation, and my pump whines a little when pressure is applied on full lock.

Looks like you're going to need a new pump - get the belt replaced while you're at it (I guess there's a chance it could be a missing belt, but I'm sure you'd already know if it was).

[danny_p]

dry pump = broken pump

[Wayne]

dry pump = broken pump

+1 they are ruined in a short space of time with no oil running through them.

[Mr Blue]

So im looking at a nackerd pump. I was hoping i would get away with it.

Off to the breakers then!

[kittie]

I had a recon pump put on at a garage, and they didn't fit it properly somehow and I drove from Sheffield to Liverpool and the fluid all fell out... needless to say the pump was bollocksed and I was very, VERY pissed off  Numpties!!

[Sam]

oh thats not good news, hope you get it sorted mate!

Need a dose of man up pills and rip it all out in favour of rack and pinion

[Mr Blue]

I The MOT man has noticed its not working so ive been told to fix it

8v and 16v pumps are the same right?

Any other vag car that i can nab a pump off?