Have an early 2006 KIA Sorento that the power steering began leaking and growling. So far have replaced the power steering pump (twice), pressure hose, rack and pinion, and the solenoid in the rack, and cleaned the reservoir (even though it looked clean). Still hard to turn, growling, and spraying fluid out around the shaft seal on the pump. It's driving me nuts, should be a simple fix,and probably is. Any ideas?
It sounds like a restriction in the high pressure side. Does it make a sound like pumps used to make when the rack is at full lock? Of course because you changed everything, anything you didn't change is suspect in the blockage.
More of a low pitch growling sound. I figure there must be a restriction somewhere to cause it to spray from the Shaft seal on the pump. My next step is to unhook all the lines and blow them out with compressed air. The Kia forums are not much help. Same problems, but no answers. Not sure how much fluid type affects this either. Original was red and the generic fluid I replaced it with is clear. That started a sh*t storm on the forums.
Make dang sure you’re using the fluid that the manual specifies. I was running “power steering fluid” in my Lexus LS400 and having similar problems as you. Turns out you’re supposed to run Dexron ATF in the system. Flushing the PS fluid out and replacing with Dexron quieted the pump down and slowed or stopped the leaks. I can’t remember if it was Dexron 3 or 4 but your PS cap and the manual should specify.
Thanks. Even though the problem started when it still had the original "red" fluid, I don't know if using the generic clear fluid had any effect on the problem. l have to do some more research, but will almost surely go to Dex III.
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