Doesn't necessarily mean the pump is bad, it means you have air in the system. There could be several reason why.

1. Front seal of the pump is shot and leaking fluid. Causes the level to drop and turning the wheel temporarily drain what's left in the reservoir.

2. Return line after 25+ years has begun to break down and is acting like a sponge, only allowing the fluid to escape through the hose. Replacing this hose is a necessary repair at this age. Easy to do and fairly inexpensive, use the search function and look for a post titled "handy little tip" and my name for a how-to.

3. The steering box is leaking and needs to be resealed. I had mine resealed at my local independent shop. Cost about $300.00. Easy to determine, look at the bottom of the steering box and see if steering fluid is dripping off of it, either from the end of the pitman arm (the arm attached to the steering box) or from the weep hole next to this arm.

4. Could be that the fluid just got low which caused air to get in the system.


These items aren't necessarily in order, just writing them as they come to mind. First I would simply replace the return line if it is oil soaked. Easy to test, just grab the hose and see if your hand is oily .

Next you need to top up the system using steering fluid. Some say it's OK to use ATF, but there is discussion that modern ATF has additives that are detrimental to the pump seals. Once the reservoir is topped up you need to bleed the system. There are several methods, but the easiest (and messiest if done wrong) is to leave the top off and with the engine running SLOWLY turn the wheel stop to stop. One direction will somewhat drain the reservoir, the return turn will purge some air. Keep the reservoir topped up and continue turning stop to stop slowly until fluid runs clear with no air bubbles.

Once the system is topped and bled, now you need to locate any and all steering fluid leaks. The Vickers pumps can be rebuilt by a moderate DIYer (I believe) or at an Independent shop. It is possible the front seal of the pump is shot, if it is you will see the fluid seeping out behind the pulley. That is generally caused by over tightened belts.

In a short matter of time you can have the steering system dry as a bone externally and operating smooth as silk.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.