Power steering not working/lumpy

[zed4]

Hi,

A few days ago my steering started to feel strange. Occasionally, when putting on a lot of lock, it would get heavier to turn. Probably anything past a quarter turn and it would get a lot heavier.

I tried to drive it today and it feels like the power steering isn't working at all at times. It almost feels lumpy, like the power steering is working sometimes, but not others. As the wheel turns, I can feel it cutting in and out.

Any ideas what's up with it? It had the new Jonny Z hoses a few months ago and still has fluid in the tank. The U bend does look oily, which is strange. I will check the nut is done up tight there tomorrow. Anything else to check?

Thanks,

Dan

[KateV8]

Yes I've just had exactly the same a few days ago, I was convinced it was a hydraulic problem. It wasn't, the universal joints on the steering column were seizing up. The steering was so bad I had to unwind the lock after a turn, it wouldn't even self centre. 'lumpy' was exactly how it felt. The joints have been freed up with penetrating oil for now but two new ones are now on the bench pending fitting.

[zed4]

KateV8 said:

Yes I've just had exactly the same a few days ago, I was convinced it was a hydraulic problem. It wasn't, the universal joints on the steering column were seizing up. The steering was so bad I had to unwind the lock after a turn, it wouldn't even self centre. 'lumpy' was exactly how it felt. The joints have been freed up with penetrating oil for now but two new ones are now on the bench pending fitting.

That's interesting. That could be quite an easy fix then. I will have a look tomorrow and see if I can free them up temporarily.

Where did you buy new ones from?

[KateV8]

On Phazed's advice I got mine from TVR Power. Around 100 quid for the pair but be very very careful ordering, it's a potential minefield. Mine were different, some are the same top of the column and bottom. To be honest I won't know for certain they're correct till I fit them. Once freed up though the old ones feel fine, I did 420 miles on wednsday without a problem.

[pbaker43]

Had the same problem, notched feeling when turning, I replaced both uj’s but it made no difference, spoke to Kiley Clinton in Birmingham, lots of experience with TVR racks, they said it could be the Teflon center seal breaking down and allowing pressure to pass to either side.
They were correct, the seals in the rack when stripped down showed signs of wear, they replaced all the seals plus new copper pipes to my design so I could fit the rack easier, steering is now smooth..

[pbaker43]

Had the same problem, notched feeling when turning, I replaced both uj’s but it made no difference, spoke to Kiley Clinton in Birmingham, lots of experience with TVR racks, they said it could be the Teflon center seal breaking down and allowing pressure to pass to either side.
They were correct, the seals in the rack when stripped down showed signs of wear, they replaced all the seals plus new copper pipes to my design so I could fit the rack easier, steering is now smooth..

[zed4]

pbaker43 said:

Had the same problem, notched feeling when turning, I replaced both uj’s but it made no difference, spoke to Kiley Clinton in Birmingham, lots of experience with TVR racks, they said it could be the Teflon center seal breaking down and allowing pressure to pass to either side.
They were correct, the seals in the rack when stripped down showed signs of wear, they replaced all the seals plus new copper pipes to my design so I could fit the rack easier, steering is now smooth..

Easy to strip DIY?

[Chuffmeister]

Try changing your fluid first. You may have air in the system. I found that the red colored PAS fluid made it notchy. The standard grey Halfords PAS fluid sorted the problem.

[zed4]

Chuffmeister said:

Try changing your fluid first. You may have air in the system. I found that the red colored PAS fluid made it notchy. The standard grey Halfords PAS fluid sorted the problem.

I think it's more serious than that.

I'm going to try and have a look on Friday. I've been away with work, so not had a chance to look at it so far.

Must get it sorted before the camping weekend! If I can't sort it this weekend, I'll take it to Southways.

[zed4]

KateV8 said:

Yes I've just had exactly the same a few days ago, I was convinced it was a hydraulic problem. It wasn't, the universal joints on the steering column were seizing up. The steering was so bad I had to unwind the lock after a turn, it wouldn't even self centre. 'lumpy' was exactly how it felt. The joints have been freed up with penetrating oil for now but two new ones are now on the bench pending fitting.

Well done that man. This is exactly what it was. I've cleaned them up and lubricated them, but now there's some play in the wheel so I assume the joints are knackered!

[KateV8]

Glad your sorted now and happy to be of assistance. Still not had my new joints fitted but I'm expecting that when I do I will lose the few degrees of play I have around dead centre.

[Matt99man]

zed4 said:

Well done that man. This is exactly what it was. I've cleaned them up and lubricated them, but now there's some play in the wheel so I assume the joints are knackered!

What did you use to clean them up? Did you have to completely remove them?