Rust in the power steering pump oil reservoir?

[koopstaknicca]

97 Grand Am GT 3.1

So, my power steering pump started making a lot of noise...decided to check the oil lvl in the power steering pump oil reservoir and I see it was empty, so I put some on. It was ok for a week, but now the noise came back. I opened the reservoir again and found that the oil is kinda brownish.

Anyone had this same problem?

[rixGAphx]

Power steering fluid usually turns 'gunky-color' pretty quickly, especially in an older system.

Rust isn't a major problem within a PS system, since every steel/iron surface is 100% coated in oil for every second of its existence.
There's just no way for water or air (both containing oxygen) to get to the metal and cause oxidation (rust).

UNLESS, the fluid level drops low!
Once that happens, regardless of minor rust on the metal surface, the bearings of the PS shaft are TOAST.
They are intended to run in a complete bath of their own fluid, and if the fluid drops below the bearing, the metal-to-metal wear is extraordinary.

You'll never get rid of the noise, since it's the result of permanently-worn/damaged bearings; a new pump is the only solution IMO.

And, that new pump will soon suffer the same damage if the fluid level in IT drops.
So locate the source of the leak that caused the original loss of fluid.
Prime locations are the bearing of the pump itself, the hoses, the hose connections to the rack, and the seals at the end of the rack :eek:
The rack is a complete PITA to replace.

Hope this helps, and good luck,
-Rick

[carlover626]

I went through this with mine for a while, and would add fluid as it got low, but it was never empty.
If you are adding fluid normally, I would look into replacing the pump (or wherever you are leaking) soon.
I was leaking all over my transaxle from the hoses (your setup may be differant) for a while till I was adding daily.
Just got the pump replaced ($300.00) and I don't see anymore leaks, although I am still checking the reservoir occasionally just to make sure there are not any other leaks like Rick has explaned.