Power steering problem hard right turn
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 485
Likes: 1
From: Dallas Texas
Power steering problem hard right turn
After ten years I have finally gotten the 73 road worthy but still have a few bugs to work out. One of them is the power steering. I have balanced the valve numerous times but still it is very difficult to turn right, left is great right is tough. Bled the air out of the system etc. I rebuilt the valve along with just about everything else so maybe that is it. I have lifted the front end off the ground and steers great in both directions it is just with weight on the ground it just won't do right. Done a search but have not turned up much. Any help would be appreciated and Jim S if you're out there your insight and knowledge has always been a big help.
BTW it worked fine before I took everything apart but leaked like crazy, no leaks now but not a functional system either.
BTW it worked fine before I took everything apart but leaked like crazy, no leaks now but not a functional system either.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 954
Likes: 40
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I have the same problem but its happened only after long drive and randomly, when I drive short time under 30 min' it doesn't happened.
I think to change the power steering pump???
Avner
I think to change the power steering pump???
Avner
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
If you have your problem only in one direction -- it is NOT your power steering pump causing the problem. The pump doesn't know what direction you are turning.
That just leaves the control valve or the assist cylinder (ram).
Jim
That just leaves the control valve or the assist cylinder (ram).
Jim
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 485
Likes: 1
From: Dallas Texas
Thanks guys, everything is new underneath save the ram and valve. I rebuilt the valve and ram (as much as you can) so I wonder if I did it right. Any way to check the ram whether it is good or not?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
Rams leak internally, will apply pressure to both ends at the same time. It cant be rebuilt in the field without cutting it open and changing the seals. Just fixing the external leak is not a rebuild.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
If you crushed 1 side of the sliding assembly(joystick) its possible the joystick won't move fully right to send the proper amount of fluid to the ram.
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia/NYC CT
Not to thread hijack, but I also am having some issues, similar to the OPs, but different, none the less.
In my case, I replaced the idler arm, and the tie rods and ends, but left the power steering system alone, as it seemed to work. After I was done, I took it to get an alignment done, and while not perfect, it was pretty good. Now, about 2 years later, it pulls to the right, HARD. It seems like it's the power steering doing it, as it pulls over to the right even when going slow. When not moving, the wheel doesn't turn on it's own, but the moment you start rolling, just rolling, the wheel begins to turn to the right? Really bad alignment, or power steering issue?
In my case, I replaced the idler arm, and the tie rods and ends, but left the power steering system alone, as it seemed to work. After I was done, I took it to get an alignment done, and while not perfect, it was pretty good. Now, about 2 years later, it pulls to the right, HARD. It seems like it's the power steering doing it, as it pulls over to the right even when going slow. When not moving, the wheel doesn't turn on it's own, but the moment you start rolling, just rolling, the wheel begins to turn to the right? Really bad alignment, or power steering issue?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 485
Likes: 1
From: Dallas Texas
It has been so long ago that I can't remember off hand how I removed the valve, probably with the infamous fork. The joystick seemed to move all right when I put it back on, the crazy thing is that when it is off the ground it steers fine both left and right but the weight of the car does something. I can adjust the valve where it turns the wheels to the right but then left turn is tough because it is out of balance. I guess the ram may be the problem I will try that.
Kevin K, sounds like you need to balance your valve.
Kevin K, sounds like you need to balance your valve.
