Any power steering gurus out there?

[STE VR]

Really really frustrated!!. I had a problem with low pressure fluid pipes leaking so I replaced them all. I then had a problem with no power steering at all. I then changed the pump for a genuine ZF pump but only a Land Rover one. Still not working quite right. I then had the rack reconditioned. The problem I then had was that the steering went from great when engine cold to very notchy/stiff/intermittant when hot i.e after a motorway run.
The pump was changed again and the rack back out for a check at a different company. The rack was given the all clear. All replaced again and the same problem exists, even the reservoir has melted at the point where the return pipe fits ( and I mean really melted ). The reservoir has been replaced along with a full fluid flush. Same problem again.

Any ideas?? I am now very skint and completely baffled!!

Thanks in hope

Steve

[STE VR]

All has been checked and double checked. Pipes are all ok and not directly on anything hot. I'm baffled too!!

[STE VR]

Reservoir brand new. Definately no restrictions from there. Fluid is new too. Tried dexron 3 and dexron 2.

The worst thing is, is that I've just had a new cam fitted etc and it goes better than ever but I can only go in a straight line!!!!

[STE VR]

phazed said:

Are you sure they haven't adjusted the pinion slipper too tight to try and eliminate play?

It may be ok when old and become notchy as the oil thins and the metal expands when hot?

I will ask the question but I feel the answer will come back that all is fine, whether it is or not. Sounds plausible though.

There is no air in the system and the fluid is nice and foam free. The pump also is quiet. Its the hot and cold thats baffling me as that is where the problem must be. The heat must be generating from somewhere.

Thanks for all the replies, keep em coming!

[STE VR]

Thanks very very much for all checking. All the connections have been confirmed against another working chimaera but nice to confirm they are correct.

[STE VR]

This pic is just for info. How come return has melted but feed is ok?

[STE VR]

It was a long time ago but if memory serves it turned out to be 2 separate issues. The 'melted' reservoir was actually the result from a crack to that connector making it look like it had melted but was just a reaction by the fluid. The stiffness issue was cured with a new upper steering UJ. I remember being baffled for sometime as I assumed it must be something to do with the replaced parts.