I called my local Mitsu spares today to enuire about getting the upgraded power steering pump for my KJ AWD & am now more confused than I was before I called.

I gave them 2 VIN numbers - my car and a TW VRX AWD. After looking it up he told me that the pump part numbers are exactly the same, but the rack numbers are different? I was under the impression that the pumps were cjanged from the TL onwards but this contradicts this information.

Any of you guys able to shed any light on this subject? Pumps aren't that $$ but if it's the same part, I won't bother.

If the part numbers are the same then you can assume they ARE the same. All the pump does is supply pressurised oil to the steering rack. What did you expect an "upgraded" pump to do for you? If the engineers wanted different power steering characteristics they would most likely make changes to the steering rack, not the pump.

If the part numbers are the same then you can assume they ARE the same. All the pump does is supply pressurised oil to the steering rack. What did you expect an "upgraded" pump to do for you? If the engineers wanted different power steering characteristics they would most likely make changes to the steering rack, not the pump.
mate, the pumps are different in the TL/W's
the pumps are the same ones used in the ralliarts
they give you abit more feel in the steering wheel to let you know what the front ends doing

MadMax, as Rob said, it's been a given presumption around here for some time that the TL/TW got the ralliart pump & people have done the changeover with good results.

What I'm asking is if anyone can explain why only the rack has a different part number? Did the AWD's not get the upgraded pump? Or did all the TJ/TL/TW AWD's get the pump?

I know my TL FWD has a different 'feel' to the steering than my KJ AWD. There have been numerous posts claimng the pump was the only difference but now I'm unsure.

Anyone that worked at MItsu might be able to help?

First - I must declare that I have never worked at Mitsi. From previous threads, my memory is that both pump and rack had revisions to valves etc, giving more steering feel. Changes initially introduced in Ralliart, and then made std production for TL/TW. There was a thread quite recently, I think, where an ex-factory member stepped-in with this info?

EDIT: My memory has it that swapping a pump or a rack should give some improvement, swapping both would give best improvement.
Would be interesting to know if the part number Spares were talking about for the Pump is the Part number ON your car now, or the Part number the system recommends be fitted to the car if change is req'd...... ie: have they updated parts system to fit the improved pump to ANY cars requiring a change, perhaps through "no-stock" of the older pump? Probably impossible to know. ANY trip to Spare Parts end in confusion to me!!! I needed to buy a breather hose..... "DO YOU HAVE A VIN NUMBER?" AArrrggghhhhhhh!!!

I'm all confused now . . . . lol

Actually, if you are after better feel and feedback from the steering, perhaps look at tyre choice rather than spending big $$ on a new rack and pump?

pm D-Van (cause he's the man,that's our D-Van ) as he recently did this so he should know what is going on....

Yeah, I've read his posts on the subject which is why I was surprised to find the 2 pumps had the same part number.

I think I'll have to call the spares dept again to see if the TL/TW FWD pump has a different part number. Perhaps it was only the FWD that got the upgraded pump?

Actually, if you are after better feel and feedback from the steering, perhaps look at tyre choice rather than spending big $$ on a new rack and pump?

Having checked the price for a new rack, at this stage it's cheaper than new tyres.

http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=70361&highlight=power+steering+pump

Al, hope this helps.

If you are installing a new rack nolathane mount bushes might help get extra feedback through the wheel.

That last quoted thread explains it all. BTW what does the dealer want for a new rack?

Quite simple, go to MMAL manual and you will see the specs for the pumps....enuff said.

If you are installing a new rack nolathane mount bushes might help get extra feedback through the wheel.

That last quoted thread explains it all. BTW what does the dealer want for a new rack?

You know where these can be bought and for how much Mad Max??

I saw them on Ebay, although don't know whether the price is any good or not once postage is taken in to consideration.

Yeah, I've read his posts on the subject which is why I was surprised to find the 2 pumps had the same part number.

I think I'll have to call the spares dept again to see if the TL/TW FWD pump has a different part number. Perhaps it was only the FWD that got the upgraded pump?

Any update on this alscall??

I would have to agree with Elwyn about the part number... it's more than likely instead of carrying two pumps they have superceded the older pump with the new one.

I picked up some Nolathane steering rack bushes from Repco. around $30 I think. easy to install when the engine bay is empty, but I would think a bitch to get at normally.

http://www.nolathane.com.au/photos/41102.jpg

cheers,
.wook

The only reason that I don't agree with this theory is they haven't changed the rack number - which obviously has been superceded.

Am off to spares in this arvo so will find out more then.

You know where these can be bought and for how much Mad Max??

Check eBay - thats where I found them.

I would have to agree with Elwyn about the part number... it's more than likely instead of carrying two pumps they have superceded the older pump with the new one.

I picked up some Nolathane steering rack bushes from Repco. around $30 I think. easy to install when the engine bay is empty, but I would think a bitch to get at normally.

http://www.nolathane.com.au/photos/41102.jpg

cheers,
.wook


Check eBay - thats where I found them.

Thanks for the info guys.

The 41102 kit parts - looks like an overhaul kit. You would only need the big one in the middle of the pic if you are putting a new rack in. $23.31 + postage for a pair of the big ones from eBay.

The only apparent difference appears to be the rack. This is what I've been able to find out so far.

Ralliart

Rack: MR924387
Pump: MR272497

TJ/KJ AWD

Rack: MR928331
Pump: MR197688

TL/TW AWD

Rack: MR930849
Pump: MR197688

As you can see, the rack is different in all 3 cars, whereas the pump is only different in the Ralliart. The pump in the Ralliart has a nice price too.....$1200 :woot:

Just a quick question guys.

Does the FWD and AWD share the same power steering rack and pump? Or are they different? Can't seem to find the answer.

Thanks!