Broken Power Steering reservoir screen (where to look for clog?)

Hello,

Today I removed my power steering pump to clean it in an attempt to stop the noise when turning the steering wheel. When I opened the reservoir, i noticed the screen was completely destroyed and there were nothing to clean since its probably clogging someplace else.

Where would be the spot to check for blockage? The pump itself seemed fine but I am not sure were all the junk will end up since the screen was gone and I would like to get the whole power steering system clean so it does not do that noise anymore.

Thanks!

 

Also, do they sell the screen by itself or do I need to buy the whole reservoir?

 

The whole reservoir. The screen isn't sold separately and the reservoir can't be disassembled easily.

You might be able to find an in line filter to put on the return hose if you're on a budget.

I don't know where the system could be clogged. Maybe just flush the system real good and hope it clears itself.

 

Any place I can buy a reservoir for a normal human being price? Ive found them at around 250$ which seems a bit overpriced for what it is...

 

My screen broke also, and I'm going to replace it with some brass mesh I found on ebay. I added an inline filter but it turns out the screen helps break up bubbles and reduce foaming.

 

Can you link me that mesh you got? Are you welding it in?

 

I haven't replaced the screen yet, my truck is in the shop and I'll be picking it up this week. Also not yet sure of the exact size (mesh) of screen I'll be using since I misplaced the broken one. But here's a link to the seller, he has lots of options.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Pack-4-x-...735010?hash=item51ce8d9062:g:a7QAAOSwBLlVGU1G

Nor do i know how I'll attach the screen. Maybe drill/tap around the flange on the inside. You'll see if you open up the reservoir the screen was sandwiched between two "donuts" of metal which are part of the reservoir.

 

Just wanted to drop an update. I seem to have fixed the sucking-air whine with #50 stainless steel mesh and a homemade spring. I didn't have luck finding a used reservoir, and buying a whole new pump/reservoir assembly was more than I cared to spend. So, I replaced the screen for $12 and a few hours of time using

I purchased a 6" x 12" piece of #50 (300 micron) stainless mesh on ebay. I only needed half of this, but wanted extra in case I made a mistake. I cut and folded the mesh into a cup shape that fit inside the power steering reservoir. The bottom of the mesh "cup" sat on the metal ring that held the original screen in place. The walls of the mesh cup extended up the walls of the reservoir.

I used a piece of old 1/2" bandsaw blade to make a sort of wound flat torsion spring. Think of a clock mainspring, or a starter spring for chainsaw or lawnmower. I considered purchasing a chainsaw starter spring for this project, but used what I had on hand. I placed the spring, under tension, inside the reservoir, and when it expanded it pressed the sides of the mesh cup against the reservoir body. The spring is quite firm but can be removed with pliers if needed. I'm not worried about it coming loose, and besides which it's too large to fall into the power steering pump.

I took the truck on a 2 hour drive the next day and the whine is gone. Turns out that screen is important for keeping bubbles out of the pump.

 

@tychoseven Did you disarm the reservoir to adapt the new mesh?

 

Sorry, I don't understand what you're asking.

 

the reservoir have a lid which is held by clips, did you remove the reservoir lid to access to place the new screen?

like this, do i need to do this to place the new screen (images)?

 

That's correct, you must remove the reservoir lid to install the screen.

 

thanks!!

 

@tychoseven Do you recommend installing a filter like magnefine on the return line before the reservoir? after installing the new screen.