Power steering question

[nawarne]

Got a late '98 450.
Out for a hoon today and noticed a 'notchy' feeling to the steering - seems to occur when applying lock from the straight ahead - almost a lack of power assistance & then once you've turned the wheel more than say, 10/15 degrees it seem fine.

Should I be looking to lubricate the rack/pinion area or could it be a pump/hydraulic problem? My fluid is topped up - in fact the problem, I think, presented itself when I topped up the reservoir a few weeks ago.

Any advice?
Nick

[Cider Andy]

More likely the UJs in the column: both visible in the offside front wheelarch, one behind the wheel that is especially good at picking up crap thrown up by the wheel.

If you can clean it, grease it up and cover it with a universal steering rack gaiter it might survive a bit longer.

[nawarne]

Andy,
Thanks for the reply!

Doh! should've thought of those rascals - I renewed the one nearest the rack on my V8S to cure a similar problem!!

Funny, but because the Chimaera is a more 'sophisticated' car, you often neglect the obvious!

Nick.

[nikman]

What's your mileage Nick?

[nawarne]

nikman said:

What's your mileage Nick?

Nick,
She's just a few miles shy of 40,000 now.
Bought her last August with just over 36K on the clock.
....luvvin it!

Nick

[nawarne]

OK!
Removed the UJ nearest the bulkhead - gave it a good oil - problem sorted! Have to get a gaiter to slide over it now.
Nick

[travelling_man]

mine does this sometimes, anybody got any pictures of what it is i need to clean and oil?
michael

[nawarne]

travelling_man said:

mine does this sometimes, anybody got any pictures of what it is i need to clean and oil?
michael

Micheal,
It's very easy.
Remove driver's side front wheel (jack up first and onto axle stand!!).
The steering shaft is plainly visible exiting the footwell via a bearing, The UJ is the first off as it comes out of the footwell moulding....right in line with all the c***p thrown up by the front wheel.
I wirebrushed mine and then liberally covered in oil.
Worth checking that the UJ is 'smooth' in operation ...as the bearings do go after a while.

Nick