Power Steering Pump noise

[john.chander]

Hi all. My 996 C2 has started to make a screeching sound upon startup. I literally stuck my head into the engine whilst running (not advisable) and traced the sound to the power steering pump.
Turning the steering wheel left to right confirms that its definitely originating from this part. I checked the power steering fluid levels and on a cold start its under the 'cold' level marker, but after a good run the fluid level hasn't moved and is in the same place when checking against the 'hot' marker level. I'm going to top up the fluid but my question is - should I try to remove as much as the old fluid first, or should I just top up and see if this sorts the issue?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Ian_959]

Check it when its warm and see where it sits. Have you checked for leaks. You can syringe some old out if you want and then top up that would be a good idea. I think a new pump is about £350

 

[john.chander]

Check it when its warm and see where it sits. Have you checked for leaks. You can syringe some old out if you want and then top up that would be a good idea. I think a new pump is about £350

Thanks for your reply mate, appreciate it. I topped it up with some new fluid today, I did attempt to syringe out the old but after comparing it in a clear cup to the new stuff it looked pretty much the same. I topped it up by about 20ml in the end. In the initial attempt I over did it so had to syringe it out. 10ml at a time is enough and to keep checking.

The pump sound has gone now. I tried turning wheels left to right and before it made the pump grunt but now its silent. Result! I'll keep an eye on it next few weeks, but hopefully this would have solved it.

If the levels drop then I'll check her in at local indy to access for leaks.

In case anyone needs it I've attached the 996 service manual page (see attached screenshot), which gives the instructions on how to top up and check the levels.