Hi guys,
I had all the signs of a failed PS pump - the steering progressively got heavier and one day the fan stayed on and drained the battery. I took it to the mechanic who replaced the pump with a used one, he said the wiring in the pump had burnt out. When I picked the car up, the steering was just as heavy with the new pump. I'm taking it back to see if there may be an air lock in the system, or something blocking the pump - however I wanted to check if anyone thinks it could be something else causing the heavy steering? It seems logical to me that the used pump just isn't working, or there's an issue with the fluid not circulating but I'm not sure if there's something I might be missing?

 

May be the steering rack or there is a one way valve in the banjo bolt that holds the high pressure line to the steering rack. Mine was stuck closed. FOUND THIS OUT AFTER REPLACING THE PUMP AND THE RACK.
Good Luck
Ed

 

You should be able to hear the pump if it's running. Is the fuse okay? Was the wiring harness replaced? Mine was melted, as you said yours was too. I would look at the wire connecting to the pump and see if it is melted. It maybe a simple connection SNAFU. I doubt the air lock theory, mine was bone dry after I fixed it. New pressure line, pump, resevoir line, etc. Filled it up and worked right away. No cavitating or noise and no bleeding was needed. Good luck.

 

mine is a bit heavier after the rebuild. no idea why , but not twitchy like new so i kinda like it .