Persistent Power Steering Noise

[Adamkay]

I hope you guys can help me. The PAS pump was noisey so I got it replaced and had it flushed through and added flesh ATF Dextron 3 fluid. The pump was still really noisey but the steering was fine. Easy to turn. Sent back the pump and got another fitted and is still noisey.
The belt and pulley has all been checked and the there are no leaks I can see and there are no bubbles in the fluid. Can anyone help.
It's a 1991 GTi 8v. Completely standard.

[sparkplug]

what sort of noise, rumbling or whining , are you 100% it's the pump & not say the alternator bearings ?
try taking the belt off & spin each one by hand 

[Adamkay]

Everything has been checked and its definitly the pump making the noise. The noise is more whining than rumbling. It sounds loud on full lock as well as if the pump is on its way out. I wonder if its another faulty pump but i'm not using cheap parts so cant believe I got two bad ones.

[dadrathers]

I had the same issue. Garage swapped the pump for pattern reasonable quality one (VW crazy price) and that was noisy so garage swapped it and still noisy. So replaced all the pipng and the rack - cost me 600 squid in all but still noisy. Works fine and has done for 7 years and is still noisy :-( .

[Adamkay]

Its a meyle pump so good quality but its not genuine so maybe that's why its noisey. Still drives me crazy! Might try an additive to quite it maybe.

[rileym]

Hi,

Is the noise constant?

The only reason I ask is because I have a loud almost like rubbing metal sound come from the car but only when I turn right. It also affects the steering of the car (the steering wheel kicks back and forth). I have been told it is probably the Power Steering Pump.

Im concerned now that changing the pump wont fix it! I don't want this to be something I have to live with!

Thanks

[Adamkay]

I've never had a problem with the steering. Just a whining noise not rumbling or grinding. If all the wheels and tracking are fine then I'm guessing it must relate to the steering system. The pump is one of the cheapest parts. It would be worth getting the pump pressure tested before your replace.
I've still got my old pump and I'm now looking to get it reconditioned and refitted so I can get rid of the after market one.

[Adamkay]

I've been told that the noise is caused by air bubbles in the pump. But I don't seem to have bubbles in the fluid and the level isn't dropping. Has anyone experienced something where it is really hard to bleed the system.

[sparkplug]

the only way i have ever bled power steering systems , is to turn it slowly full lock, then to full lock several times,it should get noticeably lighter ,that's it done
just don't leave it on full lock though as it can cause grief

[clipperjay]

Possible air from a leak somewhere on the pipes, easily done and as the air is trapped at the pump it causes the noise?
Or power steering pump belt is too loose or tight or flywheel misaligned, easily done?