How easy is it suppose to be ???
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 336
Likes: 1
From: Asheville N.C.
How easy is it suppose to be ???
I've had my stock 79 L48 for 2 yrs and the power steering has always felt stiff, firm or harder than I think it should, fluid level is good.
Is this normal or just me?
ED
Is this normal or just me?
ED
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
jack up the front of the car .move the steering wheel back and forth .if you see no binding and all seems free ,it is probably okay .all the c3 that i have driven felt sort of that way and it could be the size or type of tires .
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
The whole purpose of "power steering" is that is relieves the effort required to turn the steering wheel...especially when the vehicle is stopped or moving very slowly. If it is hard to turn, then the power steering system is not working.
The most likely areas to be at fault are: the pump is not generating any pressure or adequate pressure to provide any assist to the steering system; the P/S control valve is not directing that pump pressure properly so that the system works; the steering cylinder/ram is not converting pump pressure to force applied to the steering linkage (very unlikely); the pressure hoses are improperly installed on the system.
The 'best' tool to diagnose your system is a pressure gauge to determine if the pump is working properly [or not]. Very few 'garage' mechanics have the gauge and hardware necessary to perform this testing. The "backyard" mechanic method is to start the engine then turn the wheel all the way one direction (full-lock...either direction). This should cause the pump to growl a bit because it should be trying to pump fluid at its maximum pressure. If the pump does not appear to be laboring at all when you do this, the pump regulator, or other internal component, is not allowing it to build pressure. Thus, the pump would likely be the faulty components. If the pump is trying to work when you perform this test, but the steering wheel is very difficult to turn, then the steering control valve is very likely the cause of your problem. It is very unlikely that the steering cylinder/ram is causing your difficulties.
If your pump is the primary problem, I would suggest that you replace it with a new pump or a rebuilt one from a reputable builder. If the control valve is the problem, they are usually very easy to rebuild with an inexpensive seal kit...unless there is internal damage to the valve or body. If you are uncomfortable doing any rebuilding work, buy a new valve or a quality rebuilt one. As a normal practice, rebuild or replace all components (hoses, etc.) when you replace any one of the P/S components. The exeception to this is if you have already recently replaced one or more of those components. To say that a little differently (but with less tact) don't replace just one piece of a worn-out system.
The most likely areas to be at fault are: the pump is not generating any pressure or adequate pressure to provide any assist to the steering system; the P/S control valve is not directing that pump pressure properly so that the system works; the steering cylinder/ram is not converting pump pressure to force applied to the steering linkage (very unlikely); the pressure hoses are improperly installed on the system.
The 'best' tool to diagnose your system is a pressure gauge to determine if the pump is working properly [or not]. Very few 'garage' mechanics have the gauge and hardware necessary to perform this testing. The "backyard" mechanic method is to start the engine then turn the wheel all the way one direction (full-lock...either direction). This should cause the pump to growl a bit because it should be trying to pump fluid at its maximum pressure. If the pump does not appear to be laboring at all when you do this, the pump regulator, or other internal component, is not allowing it to build pressure. Thus, the pump would likely be the faulty components. If the pump is trying to work when you perform this test, but the steering wheel is very difficult to turn, then the steering control valve is very likely the cause of your problem. It is very unlikely that the steering cylinder/ram is causing your difficulties.
If your pump is the primary problem, I would suggest that you replace it with a new pump or a rebuilt one from a reputable builder. If the control valve is the problem, they are usually very easy to rebuild with an inexpensive seal kit...unless there is internal damage to the valve or body. If you are uncomfortable doing any rebuilding work, buy a new valve or a quality rebuilt one. As a normal practice, rebuild or replace all components (hoses, etc.) when you replace any one of the P/S components. The exeception to this is if you have already recently replaced one or more of those components. To say that a little differently (but with less tact) don't replace just one piece of a worn-out system.
and will use all the suggestions to investigate further and let you know what I find. 
