Power Steering

[rockwarrior25]

Just fitted my new batery, All fine.

And then sitting at traffic lights, went to turn steering wheel (stationary) and the after 1/4 turn it started fighting back!

Its fine when im on the move but trying to park, it does it every time.

I've checked my p/s fluid and its more than half way between min & max.

I'm guessing its new pump time unless anyone has any bright ideas???

One Thing After Another!!!!!!!!!!

[shoggyraminator]

When you say "fighting back" I take it you mean going heavy IE no assistance?

You could check the belt is not loose as when stopped the pump will have to work harder and put more strain on the belt. Ah but you know it won't be that easy

[Tanguero]

shoggyraminator said:

When you say "fighting back" I take it you mean going heavy IE no assistance?

You could check the belt is not loose as when stopped the pump will have to work harder and put more strain on the belt. Ah but you know it won't be that easy

The power steering pump isn't belt driven I am afraid. It shares drive with the oil pump and water pump direct from a lay shaft.

[Malam]

Keep an eye on your oil pressure. I hope for your sake it's just the pump that needs replacing and it's not the auxiliary shaft that's about to fail...

[rockwarrior25]

If it's shaft driven won't it happen all the time??? Oil Pressure & temperature is fine. As i mentioned it only happens stationary.

When I say fighting back I mean it all of a sudden has full resistance - no resistance - full resitance - no resistance.

It happens like a wobble and gives the impression that its fighting back.

I'm going to try jacking her up and rolling the steering back and forth a couple of times to see if its an air lock - DEAR GOD LET IT BE THAT EASY???!!!!

[Extra 300 Driver]

UJ?

[Gazzab]

Agreed try UJ - clean it of, grease it, stick a boot on it.

[ridds]

Yep check UJ's first then startvthe engine and look down beside the drivers exhaust manifold and try to see if the connection between the PAS and the water and oil pumps is spinning when you load up the steering (will possibly stop occasionaly when loaded).

If not it's the woodruf key or the Aux shaft.

[rockwarrior25]

ok - so my jack up and wiggle didn't cure it!!!

I've slung a bit of grease on the uj's and they appear to be free of any play. Haven't got boots yet.

How does Oil / Water / PAS Pump, Woodruf & Aux Shaft arrangement work and what am i looking at for a replacement i.e cost and work involved? Is it a 'do it on the drive way on a jack' job or should i consult the professionals?

Oh .. oil pressure running about 50-60 on the move and 20-25 at hot idle. I think this is ok?!

[DonnyMac]

rockwarrior25 said:

Oh .. oil pressure running about 50-60 on the move and 20-25 at hot idle. I think this is ok?!

Eeeekkk - 50-60 on the go is normal, 20-25 hot idle would worry me - if the oil is topped up + the oil light works (and is not coming on) could be time for a new oil pressure relief spring.

Back OT, mine had a WoodRuf whatsit go, but rather than replace it the previous owner had a electric motor put in instead - not sure what that adds to the thread, but maybe these things 'go' often?

[rockwarrior25]

What should my oil pressure be - I was told that 20- 35 is normal at hot idle?

Also - electric power steering - If anyone else has any knowledge of this, i'd be interested in finding out.

[Allandwf]

Mine never drops below 45, seen others where figures are closer to yours with no apparent problems.

[Extra 300 Driver]

rockwarrior25 said:

What should my oil pressure be - I was told that 20- 35 is normal at hot idle?

Also - electric power steering - If anyone else has any knowledge of this, i'd be interested in finding out.

Joolz will be a great help, with the engine too. I wouldnt worry too much about the oil pressure, it may be as simplet as the pressure spring needs replacing.

Dont panic..............................yet

[Nickccc]

With regards to your oil pressure, what oil are you running (grade)
how many miles on the engine?
Fist thing I woul do is fill the pas fluid up to the full line and see what happens.

[JensenA]

rockwarrior25 said:

What should my oil pressure be - I was told that 20- 35 is normal at hot idle?

Also - electric power steering - If anyone else has any knowledge of this, i'd be interested in finding out.

Switching over to electric pas is a relatively straight forward and inexpensive job - check this thread........

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=9&a...

[rockwarrior25]

I'm running Mobil 1 Fully Synthetic 0w 50. The engine has just ticked in to 69k miles, and runs like a dream. My only concern engine wise is a very slight puff from R.H tail pipe on initial start up.

Am I looking at two separate problems:
1. Woodruf Key & Aux Shaft
2. Oil pressure spring

...or is there a relationship between the two.

Thanks again everyone for your help.

[Extra 300 Driver]

rockwarrior25 said:

I'm running Mobil 1 Fully Synthetic 0w 50. The engine has just ticked in to 69k miles, and runs like a dream. My only concern engine wise is a very slight puff from R.H tail pipe on initial start up.

Am I looking at two separate problems:
1. Woodruf Key & Aux Shaft
2. Oil pressure spring

...or is there a relationship between the two.

Thanks again everyone for your help.

That seems thin to me, could try a thicker oil for an engine of that mileage.

[itiejim]

If the key has broken or the pump needs changing then it's an engine out job. It is going to be far easier to just put an electric pump on and is likely to give more consistent steering feel.

Regarding the oil pressure, I would definitely run a slightly thicker oil. I use 15-15 Mobile 1 motorsport oil in mine, though there are plenty who prefer 10-40 semi. Also, changing the oil pressure relief spring is an easy job that's well worth doing and could easily find you lost pressure.

After that, I wouldn't worry too much. If it runs fine, doesn't rattle and has plenty of (thicker) oil in it I'd leave well alone.

[dirty boy]

itiejim said:

If the key has broken or the pump needs changing then it's an engine out job. It is going to be far easier to just put an electric pump on and is likely to give more consistent steering feel.

Regarding the oil pressure, I would definitely run a slightly thicker oil. I use 15-15 Mobile 1 motorsport oil in mine, though there are plenty who prefer 10-40 semi. Also, changing the oil pressure relief spring is an easy job that's well worth doing and could easily find you lost pressure.

After that, I wouldn't worry too much. If it runs fine, doesn't rattle and has plenty of (thicker) oil in it I'd leave well alone.

I'm on 10-40 Motul 300v, smidge over 60, about 45 when hot. 34,000 miles though.

Would you go thinner on oils as the engine gets older or thicker?

[rockwarrior25]

Hmmmmmmmmmmm?.....I was considering Baby Oil or KY Jelly -

Think I'll go up to 15-50 Fully Synthetic! -

But what will I do with the 6 litres of KY???