Just been out to run the engine having fitted a new rack and pipes - also refitted my old reservoir tank having cleaned it up.

On first start the belt slipped like heck despite being up pretty tight... so took belt off and pump seemed to spin OK. Started up again and it didn't slip and fluid was bubbling slightly in the tank - just like you would expect.

Without the belt on all sounded well - but with it on there was a definite whirring sound - bit of a bearing kinda sound.

Put it all back together having spun the pump and done the usual side to side to bleed the rack... whirring sound still there and boy did the fluid get hot quickly.

So, thinking... new rack so probably the old pump... even though it was fine before the car was laid up in November... or... duff new rack with some kind of blockage???

I am sure that the fluid was getting around and the cooler pipe was too hot to touch.

I just love to share my problems so any ideas welcome?

BTW when I first fitted everything I flushed about a litre of new fluid through it... letting it drain from the cooler pipe connection.

 

The fluid does get incredibly hot, hence there always being oil vapour/fumes around the tank, comes out the cap vent past seal, they seriously need a decent cooler rather than the crap ford gave them, don't know about whirring maybe it might settle with some use ?
tabetha

 

Looks as if it is the new (recon) rack Tab... quick spin with the pipe disconnected throws out fluid easily and no whirring kind of bearing or belt noise, which I am guessing is simply the pump working hard.

Ho hum!!!

 

... but I was wrong... it was the pump. Took it out and it sounded a little clicky when turning it back and forth.

Bit thanks to Paul S - grabbed and fitted his pump this morning - I owe you £30 mate. Will keep the rack too - as painted it all up now