power steering in and out
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
power steering in and out
it seems that my PS wants to go in and out. at times it works perfectly. at other times it wont work and the car is like it doesnt have PS.
no leaks, belt is tight, fluid is good,
what should i check first
no leaks, belt is tight, fluid is good,
what should i check first
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
someone?
any ideas
id hate to start buying all new parts if i didnt have to.
what is bad is that so far autozone equals or beats, corvette central, ecklers, and midamerica for the pump, control valve, and cylinder.
any ideas
id hate to start buying all new parts if i didnt have to.
what is bad is that so far autozone equals or beats, corvette central, ecklers, and midamerica for the pump, control valve, and cylinder.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 217
Likes: 1
From: Buffalo MO
there is a "flow control" valve and spring assembly located behind the fitting where the high pressure line goes into the rear of the pump. this is where the pressure for the system is maintained. if this assembly hangs up due to a broken spring or warn valve, it would allow fluid to circulate without building pressure. then it could shift back or rotate into position and start working for awhile.
could be your problem.
could be your problem.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
it goes from perfect power steering
to a shudder when turning while fighting the wheel like no power steering back to perfect power steering.
i hate to just start throwing parts at it but that does sound like what could be happening with pressure valve thing at the pump. is there a way to check or would it be better to just go ahead and replace the pump to start with?
to a shudder when turning while fighting the wheel like no power steering back to perfect power steering.
i hate to just start throwing parts at it but that does sound like what could be happening with pressure valve thing at the pump. is there a way to check or would it be better to just go ahead and replace the pump to start with?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
It sounds like the pump to me. You can remove the power steering hose from the back of the pump. Then remove the discharge fitting on the back of the pump that the hose was attached to. You will be able to reach inside the discharge cavity and depress a flow control valve. There is a spring behind the valve and you should be able to easily move the valve against some light spring pressure.
If you obtain a new pump, you will most likely have to use your original discharge fitting and the control valve.
One tip. If you lose power assist in both directions (right turns as well as left) then your problem is in the pump. If you lose power assist in only one direction the problem is in your control valve.
Jim
If you obtain a new pump, you will most likely have to use your original discharge fitting and the control valve.
One tip. If you lose power assist in both directions (right turns as well as left) then your problem is in the pump. If you lose power assist in only one direction the problem is in your control valve.
Jim
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
update
i flushed the system with new fluid, the old was almost black.
i then added some of that lucas power steering fluid stuff.
i let it idle there circulating fluid for a while and turned the wheel left to right a few times.
2 test drives later and the PS is working well now.
that control valve must have been stuck or something.
i still have the shudder in the body when i turn though. would a bad sway bar bushing do that. i know that the front sway bar bushing are shot.
i flushed the system with new fluid, the old was almost black.
i then added some of that lucas power steering fluid stuff.
i let it idle there circulating fluid for a while and turned the wheel left to right a few times.
2 test drives later and the PS is working well now.
that control valve must have been stuck or something.
i still have the shudder in the body when i turn though. would a bad sway bar bushing do that. i know that the front sway bar bushing are shot.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
I'm sure the fluid change, etc. was a "do good" move and the pump would work better...for a while. If (when) it starts having trouble again, just remove and rebuild the pump and cylinder. That is really a pretty easy job and the rebuild parts are inexpensive. If you have it done, it would probably cost you $300; if you do it yourself, it will cost you $50 and a day's work [or less].