Buy Mitsubishi Galant Power Steering Pumps

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Quick Summary

The power steering pump (also called a steering-assist pump, hydraulic pump, or "PS pump") keeps your Mitsubishi Galant easy to turn by sending high-pressure fluid to the steering gear. It moves about 3-5 gallons per minute (gpm) and can build 1,200-1,600 psi of pressure, yet it is only about the size of a juice can. (MotorTrend, MotorTrend) When the pump, belt, or fluid gets tired, the steering wheel suddenly feels heavy, squeals, or leaks red-pink oil. (RepairPal.com, YourMechanic

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How It Works

The Galant's pump is a belt-driven rotary-vane design that spins any time the engine runs. (HowStuffWorks) It pulls fluid from the reservoir, pressurizes it, and feeds a high-pressure hose; a low-pressure return hose brings fluid back. Hydraulic pressure does the hard steering work so your arms don't have to. When engine speed climbs, a built-in flow-control valve diverts extra fluid so the wheel never feels jumpy. (Wikipedia)

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Model Fitment

• 1999-2012 ninth-generation Galant sedans with 2.4 L 4G64 or 3.8 L 6G75 engines use the same basic pump layout.
• Earlier 1994-1998 models and the 1991-1992 VR-4 use a similar pump, but mounting ears and pulley offset differ-always match by year and engine code. (ManualsLib, GalantVR4.org)
• The pump bolts to the front timing-case bracket and is driven by its own ribbed accessory belt.

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Failure Symptoms

• Whine or groan while turning: Often the first sign of cavitation as air enters the fluid or the pump struggles. (hydraulicdistributors.com.au)
• Stiff steering at parking speeds: Low pressure from worn vanes, old fluid, or a slipping belt. (YourMechanic, HowStuffWorks)
• Puddles of reddish oil under the nose: Leaky shaft seal or cracked hose lets fluid escape. (Popular Mechanics)
• Foamy or dark fluid in reservoir: Overheated or contaminated fluid reduces lubrication and makes noise. (Wikipedia)

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Root Causes

1. Old or wrong fluid. Mitsubishi originally specified Dexron-II/III ATF or Diamond PSF-2M; mixing fluids can attack seals. (DSMtuners.com)
2. Loose belt. A belt that deflects more than 7 mm (¼ in) cannot spin the pump fast enough. (ManualsLib)
3. Air in lines after service. Skipping the bleed procedure traps bubbles that howl and eat metal. (GalantVR4.org)
4. Age-related vane wear or bearing play. Pumps routinely last 100 k-150 k miles but eventually lose pressure. (YourMechanic)

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Diagnosis & Tests

• Fluid Check: Remove the cap and confirm that fluid reaches the MAX mark; top up only with the recommended ATF/PSF. (HowStuffWorks)
• Belt Inspection: With the engine off, push midway between pulleys-5-7 mm (0.20-0.28 in) is correct. (ManualsLib)
• Pressure Gauge: Attach an inline gauge; healthy pumps deliver roughly 1,300 psi at idle and 1,500 psi when the wheel is held against the stop. (MotorTrend)
• Noise Probe: A mechanic's stethoscope will pinpoint screeching bearings or cavitating fluid. (hydraulicdistributors.com.au)

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Maintenance Tips

• Flush interval: Replace fluid every 30 k miles or when it turns brown. Use Dexron-III or Mitsubishi Diamond PSF-2M. (DSMtuners.com)
• Keep the belt tight and crack-free. Adjust or replace if the ribs glaze or fray. (2CarPros)
• Inspect hoses yearly for swelling and seepage; high-pressure lines see up to 1,600 psi. (MotorTrend)
• Listen after cold starts. Brief whine that fades in seconds is normal fluid aeration; noise that stays means trouble. (Popular Mechanics)

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Repair & Replacement

DIYers with basic tools can swap the pump in about 2-3 hours. (2CarPros)

1. Disconnect the battery and lift the car.
2. Drain the reservoir with a turkey baster.
3. Loosen the belt tensioner, slide off the belt, and unbolt the pump.
4. Cap hoses to stop spills; transfer the pulley to the new unit with a puller/installer kit.
5. Bolt up, fit belt, refill fluid.
6. Bleed the system: wheels off the ground, engine idling; turn lock-to-lock 5-6 times, then hold each lock for 2 seconds. Repeat until bubbles stop. (GalantVR4.org)

Average shop cost runs $523-$1,061 including labor, parts, and fluid. (RepairPal.com)

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Technical Specs

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Noises Explained

• Whine that rises with wheel speed: Air bubbles or low fluid (cavitation). (Wikipedia)
• Growl at idle, quiet when revved: Worn pulley bearing. (Popular Mechanics)
• Squeal only at full lock: Normal pressure-relief; hold the wheel no more than 5 seconds to avoid overheating fluid. (hydraulicdistributors.com.au)

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Safety & Environment

Leaking power-steering fluid can ignite if it sprays onto hot exhaust parts, so fix drips quickly. (Popular Mechanics) Used ATF is toxic-capture it in a clean pan and recycle at an auto-parts store or municipal collection site. Hydraulic assist also powers some brake boosters, so a steering leak can lengthen stopping distance. (HowStuffWorks)

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Q: Which fluid should I pour in?
A: Use Dexron-III automatic transmission fluid or Mitsubishi-branded Diamond PSF-2M. Mixing other brands can swell seals. (DSMtuners.com)

Q: Do I have to bleed the pump after every repair?
A: Yes. Air bubbles whine and can pit the pump vanes-always bleed until the fluid stays clear and quiet. (GalantVR4.org)

Q: Why does it whine only when cold?
A: Cold ATF is thick and momentarily starves the pump; topping up and using the correct fluid helps. (hydraulicdistributors.com.au)

Q: Can I keep driving with a small leak?
A: You can steer, but low fluid soon ruins the pump and may pose a fire hazard-repair or replace quickly. (Popular Mechanics)

Q: How long should a new pump last?
A: With clean fluid and a tight belt, most units last well over 100,000 miles. (YourMechanic)

Q: What does the pump cost if I DIY?
A: A remanufactured unit typically runs $365-$829 online plus fluid and maybe a core deposit. (RepairPal.com)

Q: Is electric power steering easier to maintain?
A: Electric systems delete the pump and fluid, but the Galant stayed hydraulic through 2012, so regular fluid care remains vital. (Wikipedia)

By understanding how the pump works, spotting early warnings, and following simple care steps, you can keep your Galant's steering light, quiet, and reliable for years to come.