I agree that it is most likely a pump defect, but I have just repaired a rubber lined bracket that lies under the airbox and the groaning has mostly gone. The rubber lining of the bracket had shrunk a bit so that one of the steel pipes was not being held firmly.

alistair

On 2011-12-14, at 12:03 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote:

> While it is possible for some groans to come from the rack most of the time
> they originate from the pump. Worn vanes or the housing are the usual cause.
> Regardless of where you here the noises the pump is the source. Diagnoses
> can be further compounded due to rebuilt pumps having the same problem. 
> A damper hose or restrictor can sometimes be used to quit a noisy pump. 
> 
> Dennis 
> 
> ----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Alistair Bell
> Sent: Wednesday, December 14, 2011 12:14 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: power steering groaning
> 
> Well in my case the groan does not come directly from the pump. It sounds
> like the pipes, further forward where they disappear at forward end of
> engine compartment. That is not to say that the pump is not creating
> conditions that cause the pipes to make noise, but to be clear the pump
> itself is not groaning.
> 
> I'm suspecting some sort of isolating mount has come adrift or the pipes
> have moved/been bent so that they are vibrating on something.
> 
> alistair
> 
> 
> On 2011-12-14, at 9:04 AM, John Rodgers wrote:
> 
>> Alistair,
>> 
>> I have a similar problem. Systems works fine, have a brand new "Known
> Good" rebuilt pump with a full warranty - and it still groans like the pump
> is dying. Checked the lines and flushed thoroughly, installed new filter and
> refilled with fresh clean AFT - still it moans and groans. I think its my
> power steering rack gone  bad gone bad somehow. Though it's only been
> three-rour years since replacement - I have bought another factory rebuilt
> one from a list vendor. Haven't had a chance yet to install it. Will flush
> the system again just before installing the new one. Don't want any metal to
> go through the new one. Will post the results when done. My power steering
> has been a real PITA on my vans. Have had to replace the pumps or the racks
> on all three.   $$$$.
>> 
>> John
>> 
>> John Rodgers
>> Clayartist and Moldmaker
>> 88'GL VW Bus Driver
>> Chelsea, AL
>> Http://www.moldhaus.com
>> 
>> 
>> On 12/13/2011 9:35 PM, Alistair Bell wrote:
>>> I've had a groaning noise in my '86 syncro's power steering ever since I
> bought it. The location of the noise was hard to find, wasn't the pump,
> seemed like the metal pipes, where they go forward out of the engine
> compartment. I just lived with it, got used to it. I did flush the system
> for fun more than anything.
>>> 
>>> Today I listened to the pump again and noted (using screwdriver
> stethoscope) that the pump was making a noise like a bad bearing. I have a
> spare used one, so I swapped it in. It is so easy to make the swap in the
> van, almost a pleasure. After the swap the "bearing noise" was gone, but the
> groaning remains.
>>> 
>>> Apart from the noise, the system works fine. I now have to try some
> rubber wedges or the like to see if I can dampen any steel line vibrations.
>>> 
>>> Not a very informative post, so it goes.
>>> 
>>> alistair
>>> 
>>> 
>> 
>