My car's history first:

2006 PH/S R53 purchased Sep 2005. 32K miles on the odo (yeah, I know, I know..but my work is 3 blocks from home, so car's been mostly a weekend warrior). And out of warranty.

2 months back, started experiencing trouble with steering effort, especially at low speeds. I though that the steering pump was gone, but was only a leak. Took it to the dealer and was supposedly fixed. 1 month after the fix, the same issue again and the steering pump was fried.

Got the pump replaced at the dealer (a remanufactured one) and no significant improvement in the steering effort. When I called the dealer, the answer I got from my SA was that the steering pump needs to be broken in! Is this for real or my dealer BSing?

Thanks

Sasha

 

No, that is not correct.

First off, when there is a fluid leak in ines, air gets into the system and the fluid can foam up. This can make the pump work harder and reduce the normal life expectancy of the pump.

If the steering is still stiff, then there is still an issue with the pump or the rack.

There is NO break in period for the PS pump. That is just plain stupid.

 

err... I was trying to be polite, but,

what HE said! In SPADES!

 

Stealerships!
What's next?

 

That is something they tell you in hope that you get used to it and forget about it. Don't just give in, take it back and make them inspect it free of charge. Maybe something is wrong somewhere else. Those dealers are always looking to make a buck on an out warranty car and owner.

 

Priceless, and this from a SA...

Sorry, but this is the funniest thing I've read all day...

 

Funny & sad all at the same time. Did that fellow have a straight face when he uttered that joke?

 

My job and 9-month old keep me from getting online before 9 PM.

I thought as much when I heard the explanation. One other thing which potentially could be important is that I also had the control arm bushings changed at the same time. Do you think that this can be a reason?

BTW, for all the helpful people who posted...the reason I cannot get online before 9PM

 

You have a beautiful child. Congrats!

 

cute kid, The control arm bushings should not have anything to do with the power steering pump. Sounds like the fluid leaked out again. Sometimes there is air trapped in the system that has to work it's way back out but that should not last long and the system should have been "burped" by the dealer. anyway it is still not right take it back.

 

This is only a thought but, the fluid resivoir is also the filter for the system. If it wasn't replaced it might be plugged with the remains of the old pump causing the pump to starve for fluid.

Good luck!!!

 

It could also be that some air bubbles remain in the power steering system that dissipate as the steering is used over the first few days. That may be what he was trying to tell you but not in the same words.

 

Thanks for the additional input, Desmo and CarGuy.

I am going to take it up with the dealership again and make them take a look. If nothing else, it will be on the record that I have informed them.