power steering

[yoss]

Hi

The power steering on my 04 monaro cv8 seems to have stopped working.

it had a new quick rack from pedders fitted a year or so ago, so i presume the problem is not the rack itself.

the belt was replaced approx 50,000 mls ago. So does it look like the pump is at fault?

if so is there an easy way to test it?

Cheers Yoss.

[mfp4073]

I’m no expert on power steering but here’s my thoughts on this one.
As you say the problems unlikely to be the rack if it’s recently been replaced and the fluid would have be changed at the same time, so it should still be up to the level and nice and clean
The belt although old is worth another look, if it slips and or squeals it need’s changing, The tension needs checking as well.
If you remove the belt check the actual pump pulley if it’s got lots of slack, fore / aft and left to right I guess the pump needs changing. Mind you they usually start making a noise before they give up. The next thing is to check is to make sure none of the pipe work in the system has been bent somehow causing a restriction.
I would not bother trying to fix the old pump as these things operate at really high pressure so a new one is the only answer.

Best of luck

[stevieturbo]

If you can hook up a pressure gauge into the high pressure line it might give an indication if the system is making sensible pressure.

Although bare in mind PAS systems can run at a few thousand psi.

[yoss]

Investigated a bit more tonight, have removed the belt and found the pump pulley to spin very freely by hand. I have had the resevoir off and no blockages

Im pretty sure there should be at least some resistance even by hand?? do they have an in-built Pressure relief valve? possibly stuck open?

Or is the pump Kapput?!

Cheers Yoss

[stevieturbo]

not really, it's the rack that creates the restriction that then sees the pump generate pressure and do work.

So until you can place a load against it...it will turn pretty freely.

[yoss]

Update

Decided to fit a new pump, ( 04 cast iron one from Rockauto) two bolts three pipes and £150 done.. Flushed n' bled out the old fluid as per instructions

that came with the pump.....No change!!!.. With the car up on stands I can grab the road wheels and go lock to lock..I have spoken to Roger at Pedders,

he and others think its Unlikely to be the rack itself. Spoke to the garage

that fitted it, they said everything Iv'e done is the same as they would do.. the question is what to do next?


Cheers Steve.

[SturdyHSV]

When you say the power steering isn't working, do you mean as in there is no assistance at all? As in, at very low speeds (< 5mph) it's almost undriveably hard to turn the wheel?

[yoss]

Hi

Yes thats about how it is. though steering to the left has a bit of assistance.

[mfp4073]

This is an awkward one!
In effect you have a new pump, a recent steering rack and new fluid.
The power steering belt is obviously turning the pump, nothing appears bent or broken in the steering gear.
The wheels turn from left to right freely with the wheels off the ground….
Could there be a line blockage somewhere, maybe in the power steering cooler?
I also wonder if there is a pressure valve on the actual rack that is leaking or out of adjustment.
Not much help I know, but it might be something to consider

[SturdyHSV]

yoss said:

steering to the left has a bit of assistance.

I'd end up presuming it was the rack in your situation, appreciate it's a recent one though and I've never heard of one going wrong...!

Has it had the right fluid in it? Just wondering if there could be a seal or something in the rack that's deteriorated due to incorrect fluid, I don't know!

[yoss]

Well its been in my ownership for 50,000 miles now showing 120,000 had the rack replaced at 105,500 (the old one leaked) always had ATF which is

correct as spect on the filler cap. ( if I was a bit younger and fitter I'd put the old one back on) and yes you can hear the engine note change when it

reaches full lock. wheels up..

[mfp4073]

yoss said:

Well its been in my ownership for 50,000 miles now showing 120,000 had the rack replaced at 105,500 (the old one leaked) always had ATF which is

correct as spect on the filler cap. ( if I was a bit younger and fitter I'd put the old one back on) and yes you can hear the engine note change when it

reaches full lock. wheels up..

If the wheels are turning OK without any vehicle weight on them, but won’t turn with wheels on the ground, then as Stevieturbo said, it sounds like a pressure issue. A line pressure test is the way forward, I can’t think of anything else I’m afraid.

[V88Dicky]

At the risk of sounding stupid, it’s not an airlock in the system is it?

[Davep24]

I know it's a new rack but it is possible that the centre seal or the rotary valve unit has failed. Easiest way to test is to put the old rack back on.

[Lincsls1]

Davep24 said:

I know it's a new rack but it is possible that the centre seal or the rotary valve unit has failed. Easiest way to test is to put the old rack back on.

Yeah, I'm inclined to agree. Also remember that these Pedders 'quickracks' aren't actually new. They are reconditioned units.
I'm having one fitted next weekend. Hoping it will be ok.

[yoss]

Hi

Finally got the problem pinned down. As sugested by Roger at Pedders, and not much else left to change.

It being fathers day, my son came up and we reffited the old leaky rack... Power steering was restored.!!!!

Cheers, Now not quite so fedup.. Steve..

[L2VXR]

Rockauto.com do a seal kit for the steering rack , i know it LHD but doubt the seals would be any different

[vxr2010]

some one used these guys and said they were good