Power Steering Problem

[starmist]

Just recently I've noticed that my steering seems really heavy when turned more than a few degrees either way. This happens even if I already have some lock on, and it's reluctant to centre itself as well.

I though the pump might be on its way out, but a mate thought it more likely to be the rack itself.

Does anyone have any experience of this, and anyone know what the likely cost of a pump or rack is?

[Ballistic Banana]

Hi starmist and welcome.

The most obvious things are probably the Universal joints or maybe a you dont have enough fluid in the power steering.
Theres a common leak area below the pump??is it leaking there? Its a u bend piece.

BB

[starmist]

I'll have a good look when I get a chance. I have noticed wetness under the pump before, and did look at the reservoir levels, but I don't think the car was on a particularly level surface.

Thanks for that.

[GarryM]

Sounds v. much like the uj's. The one that goes more often is the one behind the o/s front wheel. If you clean it up and then cover it in WD40 and find that the problem's gone - that'll be your answer! WD40 is only a short term fix though - it needs replacing.

[starmist]

I checked the fuid. All seems to be okay, although I put a bit more in just to be sure. Thought I might try to jack the front off the ground and try it, just to elimiate any wear problems with the tyres. Then if it still happens, try it with the engine switched off (i.e. no assistance) to see if it's the rack of the pump / valves, etc. What do you think?

[starmist]

BB, were you at Le Mans last year with your car?

[Ballistic Banana]

starmist said:

BB, were you at Le Mans last year with your car?

Yes I was, Stayed in Houx Annexe along with Johno, Gary J and a few others.



Why where you there too

[starmist]

Yes! We were camped just in front of you! We had a 6 berth camper and a dark red pre-cat Griff and my Starmist Blue post cat. I was chatting to you about your exhaust, coz it sounds pre-cat, but on a P plate, presumed it wasn't. I've since had my silencer deboweled and it sounds awesome. Small world, eh ? Feel like I've found an old friend!

[starmist]

BTW, I've stuck the trolley jack under the car and turned the wheels with them both off the ground, and there is definite lumpiness when turning. It looks like when the UJs (I preumse you mean the ones on the steering column) are in a set position, there is a fair bit or resitance.

I drenched them both in WD40 as instrcuted and I'll see how it fairs over the weekend as I'm off down to my folks in Surrey in an hour or two.

[starmist]

I can now report that having doused the UJs in WD40, the steering is much improved, so this was the fault. Thanks very much for your help guys.

Just need to know where to get some UJs. Anyone any idea?

[simpo two]

[quote=starmist]I can now report that having doused the UJs in WD40, the steering is much improved, so this was the fault.[quote]

I think they'll need grease for a long term fix.

[GarryM]

Glad that's all it was. AFAIK the UJs are TVR specific so ask your friendly dealer or independent. It's more than likely just the lower one. WD40 will keep you going for a short while only - spray it each time before you drive it.

[starmist]

Br. Oh well, not everything TVR is expensive! Thanks for that. I will contact Dom @ TVR Power and find out how much. Ta muchly.

[Ballistic Banana]

starmist said:

Yes! We were camped just in front of you! We had a 6 berth camper and a dark red pre-cat Griff and my Starmist Blue post cat. I was chatting to you about your exhaust, coz it sounds pre-cat, but on a P plate, presumed it wasn't. I've since had my silencer deboweled and it sounds awesome. Small world, eh ? Feel like I've found an old friend!

yep I remember you was parked by the track wasnt you. I going this year, Same place??
Theres me in my tiny Tent and you lot in the Mansion next door

Simon

[starmist]

yep I remember you was parked by the track wasnt you. I going this year, Same place??
Theres me in my tiny Tent and you lot in the Mansion next door

Simon[/quote]

Mansion? Did you see that huge grey RV turn up on the Friday. It parked up, the sides slid out until it was about 20 ft wide but no one came out of it or went into it all weekend Spooky

I'm hoping to go this year. The crew I went with last year haven't organised anything yet (I was invited for the first time last year). There's a group who meet at our West Mids TVRCC who are going and asked if I wanted to come, but again I haven't sorted anything.