I just read wjcollier07'* Thread on flushing the power steering fluid and replacing with new.

Im on the other end of the rope here because I think I am going to experience a power Steering Pump Failure soon. I only have 190K on the clock and while sitting still and turning the steering wheel, there is some jitter in the wheel, but while driving, I dont notice it at all.

Last time me and Boosty hooked up, it looked like the power steering pump pulley was wobbling which would indicate a bad bearing? I dont know. Never had one go, but I have a feeling that this one is on its way out, so for christmas, Im buying myself a new OEM GM genuine power Steering Pump (The AZ rebuilds look cheap cheap cheap).

I dont know if my steering system has ever been flushed, but it will be when replacement occurs.

Another thing I noticed was when I go from my winter ghetto golds to my summer chrome Torques, there is slight tire rub on the inside of the wheel well, and the steering feels different, I believe because of the wider tire? but im wondering if this has anything to do with the power steering pump going?

wjcollier07: Do you have two sets of tires for your Bonne? or another set that came from another year? im curious to see if this has anything to do with the power steering pump issues or if the fluid is just old and needs changing.

I once told my brother that I liked the deep dish rims and wouldnt mind a set on my 94 but he added that they cause the wheel bearings to go sooner since the weight transfer is different on the hub, so im wondering about the winter tires versus the summer ones.

Anyone else have Power steering pump issues or have had past problems?

You shouldn't experience any difference or issues with the two rim sets you have as they are both stock wheels that were available for the car.

Are the summer tires different width (I think you said that once)?

Yes I believe they are. The summer tires are wider but I dont know by how much. I can take readings once I get home and post them, but the summer rims/tires do make the steering feel different, I just dont know if this puts a strain on the power steering pump at all making it work harder than it should.

Any larger tire can put more strain on it... however having seen them and not noticed the wider difference, I doubt it'* anything that wasn't already an issue.

I was questioning it since I havent seen a steering pump failure since becoming a member and thought the wider tires could contribute to it, as well as the fact that my car is 12 years old doesnt help either, but the previous owner had a chip in it as well as a smaller pulley so I dont know if even THAT could have caused it. Probably not since other members have smaller pulleys and still have their PSP intact and solid.

Pulley and chip shouldn't affect the steering pump.

Pumps go, no doubt.

I was thinking more along the lines of driving habits. I dunno, all I know is I have to come up with $130 for replacement and its cold outside