First, I just want to say that I've looked at old posts regarding this moaning sound and I don't know if those answers/suggestions would apply to my case.
The sound I hear happens whether I'm turning the wheel or not and is a constant, subtle moan (as if there's no power steering fluid). But the PS fluid level in my 240 is fine and I just had a rack and pinion installed because my last r&p leaked like crazy. At this point I can only guess based on my limited knowledge and/or speculate based on old posts...

Maybe the noise is from:
-the old PS fluid not being flushed after the r&p installation?
-the a/c compressor being bypassed meaning the moan will be there as long as the a/c compressor is bypassed?
-a bad high pressure hose
-a bad hose that goes from the 'throttle body to the CIS motor'?
-a weak power steering pump (even though it's not leaking fluid)?

I don't remember my old '84 240 having this constant subtle moaning sound so I figure it's not an old car problem and has a solution.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
G

Would a power steering fluid flush at a jiffy lube for example be enough to make the system air free and thus noise free?

That way the current fluid in the system would be completely sucked out with a vacuum and replaced with air free new fluid.

G

Hello,


If they who should not be called politely installed your steering rack, they may have not bled your system properly without load and damaged your pump.

If they who are sagacious installed your steering rack, then you will wake up tomorrow without a noise.

You took the car in for service and they did something to make the noise happen. It wasn't happening before, so how is it your fault? You will not be able to explain this to the shop.

You could syringe the fluid out, but the noise is likely being caused by internal pump fluid slippage across the pressure boundary due to excessive clearances caused by the abrasion of the leading surfaces by air cavitation.


Goatman

I'm not sure they even bled it after installation. After I got home I checked the reservoir and the ps fluid level was below the 'min.' line. The fluid was pink and frothy looking. The reason I had them install it is because the first mechanic refused to install a CAM rack where a ZF rack had been. The noise was present before replacement but I thought the rebuilt CAM plus bleeding the system would knock out the noise. But again if I'm correct, they didn't bleed the system after installation. Afterward the ps fluid level seemed not much different from when I had left it with them.

I'm getting frustrated with mechanics. I had a good Volvo mechanic at a Volvo dealership who worked on my old '84 240 on the side. But he moved to Vegas. This '87 240 that I bought on Craigslist in L.A. is in pretty good superficial shape but its maintenance was neglected a good bit by its last owner. I have no experience at fixing cars cars myself so the best I can do right now is research.

I had a good Volvo mechanic at a Volvo dealership who worked on my old '84 240 on the side. But he moved to Vegas.

Some of the good ones may not have had to move to Vegas, but may have started their own independent shops. They will specialize in European cars, based on their long experience in the Volvo dealership.

The noise was present before replacement but I thought the rebuilt CAM plus bleeding the system would knock out the noise.

Sounds like cross your fingers and hope. Knowing an independent mechanic makes up a decent proportion of his overhead from parts markup, I wouldn't be surprised at his refusal to be your tool, or directed labor, you supplying the diagnosis, the part, and the critique afterward. Look at it from his viewpoint. You bought a used car through an internet ad, and suddenly you're an expert.

The frothy fluid goes with the noise, surely, but it can be due to dissolved air that will eventually work out, or worn seals in the pump, which looks more likely given it sounded that way before the system was opened and the rack replaced.

I would keep checking the fluid for a week for signs of improvement before looking for a replacement pump. Make sure the return line connections are tight -- no leaks.






--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

Duct tape is like 'The Force'. It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together.

Cycle a few time lock to lock to get rid of any air that may be trapped in the steering rack and make sure the ps fluid is full.
Dan

I agree with Dan. Sounds like you have air in the PS system. Check all fittings to see if they are tight and no leaks especially on the suction side of the PS pump. Raise both front wheels, remove PS reservoir cap & cycle wheels from stop to stop about 20-30 times. Check ps fluid for signs of air bubbles.

Hope this helps!
Danny Mac