NV7 Growl/Whine

[Galaxie500XL]

My '95 LQ1 Cutlass has the NV7 option, which adds a solenoid to vary the pressure output of the power steering pump based on wheel angle and speed.

 

Back in the winter, the pump started growling pretty noticeably, especially on very cold days. Now, the pump is beginning to make that same sort of growl even in warm weather.

 

When I did my timing belt, I cleaned out the resavoir for the power steering pump, and have suctioned all the fluid out once more since then to make sure the fluid is as clean and fresh as I can make it.

 

The pump seems to be working fine, other than the noise, but NV7 pumps and variable orfices are no longer available from the dealer, and the only option I've found so far requires me to send my pump in for rebuild, which means parking the car.

 

Any suggestions as to what to look for, or is this normal, and something I don't need to worry about?

[AL]

Junkyard

[Galaxie500XL]

Al;

 

That's exactly what I was thinking, which leads to the question...what cars had the NV7?

 

I am aware the '95 LQ1 Cutlasses had it, but was uncertain of what other cars might have also had it, and whether there are pump differences between the 3.1 and 3.4 DOHC.

 

Thanks;

 

Daniel

[AL]

Just call them up and they can see if they have a car with NV7... I know when I needed a Power Steering Pump for my GA, they asked if I needed that option or not

[95CSC]

I experienced a growling problem last year in my 95 with a 3.4L engine that continued to get worse. I ended up replacing the power steering pump three times until I realized I had a restriction in the rack & pinion that was causing the pump to cavitate. I replaced the rack and the growl ended. I would try the pump first, the rack is a pain to replace and the pump is relatively easy. But if you continue to have problems with new pumps it may be your rack. You can get a pump at the junkyard, but if the valve is good on the one you have you can get a rebuilt pump at the auto parts store (I used O'reilly's) and place your valve on the new pump. What is hard to find is the whole unit including the valve. If you only need the pump, then it is available in many places.

[Galaxie500XL]

Good information. I had assumed that pumps on NV7 optioned cars were different than the standard pump, so that's good news.

 

X2 on replacing the rack. I've only ever replaced one, and I still have the scar on my right hand from that one to remind me of the fun day that was.

 

I would assume that NV7 racks are different than standard racks...I remember a long thread on this forum once before about the ratio...as I recall, the NV7 rack is 2.25 turns lock-to-lock--I've never personally checked my car to verify that.

[alec_b]

What makes the rack so hard to replace on a W? I've done a couple, and other than getting at the lines on the rack it's not all that hard. Just drop the subframe and bam you've got all kinds of room.

 

My guess is since the NV7 system varies pressure to the rack, the rack itself is probably the same. It just depends on which ratio rack you have. All you have to do is count the turns lock to lock and you'll know. My guess though is since you have the NV7 option you've probably got the 2.25 rack since it was the sportiest option.

[GOT2B GM]

Magnasteer

[alec_b]

Don't magnasteer racks have the controller down on the rack though? All the magnasteer cars I've had had normal looking pumps with a solenoid mounted to the rack.

[cutlassdude96]

ours are mounted to the power steering pump

[Crazy K]

Supposedly all 95 LQ1s had magnasteer. Magnasteer = FUN!

 

The rack is different, in that it has an extra seal of some sort (seen both kits and talked to the dealer) basically the difference is a single square cut O-ring, and the ratio...

 

 

so find a jy.........