HELP!!! Power steering pump nightmare!!!

Audi Nut Joined: Sep 16, 2010 Posts: 55

Hiya all, sorry havent been on here in a while, I have been meaning to! My power steering pump has packed up on my cabriolet. I cant believe it as the exact same thing happened on the last one I had! However, I am having trouble in knowing which part to get and wondered if anyone had any advice? It'd be so much appreciated! My car is a 1999 Final Edition, does this make any difference? Also it's the 1.8 engine, alot of the pumps I can see seem to be quite specific and dont mention my car, only 2.6, whoever I call doesnt seem to know and I am so frustrated! Basically, does anyone know if there are any major differences, also if they fit any other models? I had thought that the Audi (a3?) uses the same 1.8 20v engine so was wondering if this would share the power steering pump? Any advice at all would be so great, thank you! Marianne

Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 9:03 pm

It looks like the 1.8 ADR has the same part no. as the 2.6 and 2.8. But you really need all the car details to check 100%.

I pulled a pump off a ABC engine in a A4 in a breakers thinking it would be the same as in the cabriolet but turned its different part no. Think the A3 is different as well.

Not entirely sure but he cabriolet pump seems to have three outlets where as the A4 has two. The extra one on the cab seems to be for the bomb accumulator. Always meant to check if the A4 pump had the third hole drilled and was just plugged. Its lying in a scrap bin in my store. Keep meaning to look at at.

What was it that failed on the pump? What were the symptoms as a matter of interest?

Audi Nut Joined: Sep 16, 2010 Posts: 55

Hiya, thanks for your reply. I am still 5 days on no closer to getting this sorted, apart from paying rip off prices of £300 plus. And now the brakes are failing- I know this is to do with the PS pump as the exact same thing happened on my 2.6 cabby, the systems are linked somehow. I have terribly heavy steering, and a whine when I turn. Exasperated, after many calls to people who dont seem to know if a pump from a 2.0, 2.6 etc will fit, I ended up calling an Audi dealer who told me only 1.8 pumps will fit a 1.8. I dont know how true this actually is but have gone with it! I am so fedup, as nobody is breaking a 1.8 (from what I can see, from days of trawling!) and the few I have found have either already had it taken, or are already not working. It's so annoying, and downright dangerous now that the brakes are failing. I just wish I could find one at a cheaper price!

Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 8:40 pm

If its squealing is the belt not just loose or worn? If you take the belt off and turn the pump wheel by hand you can see how stiff it is. Should run smooth and easy. If so it the belt.

Audi Nut Joined: Sep 16, 2010 Posts: 55

Also sorry I probably missed the most important bit... It has been leaking fluid for some time now, but now literally you put it in, and a mile down the road it has completely gone!

Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 9:11 pm

Depends where the leak is.

If you do a search I am sure there is some bit on the pump that leaks that you can tighten. X head bolts comes to mind.

Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 9:23 pm

Hi,
Sorry to hear of your problem.
I had a similar problem last year with our son's 80 2.6 Avant. After buying a refurbished PAS pump from an alleged reputable supplier, which then failed and was replaced three times in quick succession and still leaked, I needed an alternative and reliable source.
I ended up sending the original leaking pump to these guys who overhauled it and did a fab job - and provided a guarantee. They assured me that if they received it before lunchtime, they would have the job finished and on its way back to me the same day - and they did! It's been fitted and working perfectly since July.
http://www.powersteeringspecialist.co.uk/index.html
I have no association with this company, just a happy customer.
Give 'em a bell and let us know how you get on.

HTH,
Alan Very Happy

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 2:01 pm

After a bit of searching when I had a problem with a power steering pump I bought one from this company:

WARNING DO NOT USE THEM!
Power Steering Racks Direct
http://powersteeringracks.co.uk/

The pump leaked, was replaced a few days later, that leaked too. It took a massive amount of chasing and hassling this company to get a refund, and I had to send the pumps back at my own expense. Took about 2 months to get the money back.

The pumps they sent had been taken from a wreck and painted black, the 2nd one actually sprayed fluid all over the garage it was so bad.

I only mention because they come up fairly quickly if you search the net for a replacement. I ended up exasperated and got a refurb from Audi. Not the cheapest way to do it, but at least it was guaranteed when it failed and ripped all the belts to bits! The 4th one is still on there and going strong now.

Inexperienced Joined: Feb 04, 2010 Posts: 32

there is a similar thread on the audi 80 series 3/b4 site just now (powersteering pump leak)it is the same pump that you need with three outlets other pumps dont have a blank ion them its a special setup for the hydraulic brake servo system you realy need to establish where the fluid is leaking from you may need a hydraulic hose replaced or as in the other thread a copper washer not a pump..allan...

Audi Nut Joined: Sep 16, 2010 Posts: 55

Hiya, thank you SO much for all your really helpful replies- Alan I have called the powersteering specialist.co.uk people who were really helpful, offer a reasonable cost with guarantee, and they are coming to collect it tomorrow, now thats service! I am pretty sure that is what it is, a mechanic friend took it off for me today. andrew audi that is really bad, I looked at their website, as you say it is one of the first that came up in a search, but that sounds terrrible! At least I will have a guarantee, and the original, right pump for my car. I'm just relieved I am finally getting somewhere with it, it really has been a rubbish time of nobody seeming to be able to help! But thank you guys you have been great!

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 1:37 am

Just best to confirm that the fluid in the system is green.

if anyone has added ATF and the fluid appears red, you'll need to get it drained and flushed

Audi Nut Joined: Sep 16, 2010 Posts: 55

Oh yeah, I remember on my last cabby, it had to be green! I've already got 2 bottles ready to re fill! (well not all in one go of course!) Hopefully I wont even need the second bottle if its all fixed. Does anyone know, due to the brakes being linked, (and them now not working), will the braking system have to be bled? Although I suspect possibly not as the actual brake fluid is a separate thing? thanks guys

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 2:32 pm

That was EXACTLY the same problem I had with the very same company Evil or Very Mad

Knackered pumps sprayed black and sold as refurbished. Every one leaked and they had the audacity to blame my mechanic! Absolutely $hite!
I then used the company recommended in my earlier post and the quality of kit and service were a complete contrast to thes cowboys.

Marianne - I really hope you get it sorted!

Alan

PS I DID get my money back from John Wayne and his cowboy mates Wink

Audi Nut Joined: Sep 16, 2010 Posts: 55

Aww thank you Alan... I am lost without it! And got absolutely soaking wet in the rain today! I really do depend on it so much. So far has been great service from the power steering company- they arrived as promised before 10am this morning, from London, now thats service for you! Should be ready and back on Thursday, and my mechanic can fit on Friday. Hope so much all will go smoothly!
God that other company sounds so bad- how can they come up at the top of search listings being that bad, they should be taken down! I am so glad I didnt click on them!