I just had my mechanic put in a new "rebuilt" power steering pump in my 93 XJS. My old was was leaking like a siv. The new one doesn't work!!! No power steering. I turn the wheel lock to lock to bleed and no change. Any suggestions??

Submitted by rcmaury@bellso… on Tue, 03/15/2011 - 15:39

We have a large amount of problems with the short pumps as most do not install the drive dog properly. If it is not put on far enough, it will dislodge the inside of the pump causing it not to pump. We recommend what we call the long pump which has the housing and drive dog already installed. Rarely have problems this way. BTW: most of our customers are shops, not individuals.

Submitted by stevejag@sbcgl… on Mon, 03/14/2011 - 22:32

Edited on 2011-03-14 22:34:48

Edited on 2011-03-14 22:33:54

I'd say there is a good chance there is something wrong with the re-installation of the pump drive dog or coupling. [see the picture] I don't think your pump is spinning. I've seen guys put the dog on backwards so it won't engage.

I can't come up with any other explanation.

Good luck!

Submitted by aljaszcar@emba… on Mon, 03/14/2011 - 21:31

Second new pump installed - it didn't work either. Put old leaking pump back on and it doesn't work either now. Don't know what the %$%^* is going on. I found out I'm was using wrong fluid, regular power steering fluid, went to Dexron II and power steering still doesn;t work. The only thing I did the day before I changed pump first time is I put an aftermarket resevoir in while waiting for new one from Britain and had to use heater hose for supply line because of size of supply outlet on aftermarket resevoir. Could that be causing problem? Two rebuilt pumps and neither worked............no presure out of pump.

I'm at wits end with this one!!!

Submitted by aljaszcar@emba… on Fri, 03/11/2011 - 17:33

Well gentlemen, I think the new pump is dead. I don't have any power steering at all and the output of the pump has no pressure at all. I ordered a new one which should be in Monday and I will have installed on Tuesday and keep you posted.

Submitted by dougdwyer1@com… on Fri, 03/11/2011 - 13:42

No power assist at all?

That certainly sounds like a defective pump to me....not entirely unusual given the inconsistent quality of rebuilt components these days.

My experience is that power steering systems are generally easy to bleed (using the method you've used) and a stubborn air lock, when one occurs, creates a jerkiness to the power assist.

Others will chime in.

Cheers
DD