No Power Steering - 1985
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 6,252
Likes: 2
From: Silicon Valley Kalifornia
No Power Steering - 1985
Finally got her started and running reasonably well. Then went to try the new steering rack and pump and there is no power assist! How could this be???? TIA
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,386
Likes: 534
Re: No Power Steering - 1985 (GRX)
Did you bleed the power steering system after adding the new power steering fluid? The only other thing I can think of would be poor lubrication at the balljoints or tie-rod ends. Is this rack and pinion a remanufatured or completely new part?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,386
Likes: 534
Re: No Power Steering - 1985 (GRX)
Did you notice any rough play in the steering at that point of bleeding the system? I believe the car has to be running as you bleed the system. Other than that, I'm stumped like you are on the matter. My knowledge on steering is crummy at best.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 178
Likes: 3
From: Evansville IN
Re: No Power Steering - 1985 (GRX)
My 89 manual says to bleed:
1.engine off, wheels off ground turn all the way left, add fluid to cold mark
2.bleed by turning wheelside to side without reaching the stop in either direction,keep flui9s at cold level mark
3.start engine. with engine idling recheck fluid and bring to full cold mark.
4. return wheels to center position, lower front end,continue running engine 2-3 minutes
5. road test vehicle to test steering and when hot, make sure fluid is at hot mark.
It also says that fluid with air in it has a tan appearance and must be bled out. good luck
1.engine off, wheels off ground turn all the way left, add fluid to cold mark
2.bleed by turning wheelside to side without reaching the stop in either direction,keep flui9s at cold level mark
3.start engine. with engine idling recheck fluid and bring to full cold mark.
4. return wheels to center position, lower front end,continue running engine 2-3 minutes
5. road test vehicle to test steering and when hot, make sure fluid is at hot mark.
It also says that fluid with air in it has a tan appearance and must be bled out. good luck
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Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 178
Likes: 3
From: Evansville IN
Re: No Power Steering - 1985 (GRX)
Manual doesn't say what would happen doing it running. I would try rebleeding it with the engine off and see if that helps. I know on my clutch, I was having trouble bleeding it, and leaving it overnight, it gravity bled. Not sure if power steering unit would do that or not.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 586
Likes: 0
From: Schmuckville SA
Re: No Power Steering - 1985 (GRX)
I dont think you fried the pump, but you should do it with the car off.
I replaced the high pressure hose on my power steering and had a heck of a
time getting the air out. You probably have air in the fluid now so try this:
Let the car sit overnight with the cap off power steering res. Suck out
what ever fluid is in there and fill with some new stuff. If you can get a
clear hose, remove the return line off the resevior and connect the clear
line to it and have the other line empty into a plastic jug. Then start to
go lock to lock with car off. You will see air in the hose once you start
turning the wheel, it may take awhile as you have to bleed for a new rack
and pump. I did this and it worked like a champ.. Sometimes the air is hard
to remove, just takes some persistence, thats all...
I replaced the high pressure hose on my power steering and had a heck of a
time getting the air out. You probably have air in the fluid now so try this:
Let the car sit overnight with the cap off power steering res. Suck out
what ever fluid is in there and fill with some new stuff. If you can get a
clear hose, remove the return line off the resevior and connect the clear
line to it and have the other line empty into a plastic jug. Then start to
go lock to lock with car off. You will see air in the hose once you start
turning the wheel, it may take awhile as you have to bleed for a new rack
and pump. I did this and it worked like a champ.. Sometimes the air is hard
to remove, just takes some persistence, thats all...
