Power steering issue. No power assist at idle.

95SE · Post by **95SE** » 09 Jul 2017, 10:04

I changed my rack and now there is no power steering at idle. Rev to 2k and it returns. It leads me to believe that there is something at play that allows/assists/adjusts power sterring at idle rpm. Like something (a valve) is either stuck open or closed preventing proper function only at idle when the ps pump pressure is weekest.

Despite rack issue this was not an issue prior to rack change. The rack was changed because it was seized up, you could steer but there was no automatic return to center while rolling. Basically if you moved the wheel slightly left while driving it would just stay exactly there.

Trying to determine if I got a bad rack or if there is something else in the system that suddenly failed/clogged... Rack is a rebuilt by MAVAL from FCP.

Post by **prwood** » 09 Jul 2017, 18:41

Have you checked your power steering fluid to see if it is at the proper level?

95SE · Post by **95SE** » 09 Jul 2017, 19:30

Yeah fluid is fine. Flushed 2 liters through it. Did lock to lock over 50 times.

Post by **jonesg** » 09 Jul 2017, 20:35

Maybe the problem was the pump all along.
Mechanics often change everything out, pump ,rack and all pressure lines. Less comebacks.
I'd snag a cheap pump from salvage or ebay, try that for starters.

95SE · Post by **95SE** » 10 Jul 2017, 04:36

For sure, you'd think the pump, but the original rack was shot, you could tell when bench testing when you needed a big wrench to turn it. The new one you can spin with just your hand.

Post by **chrism** » 10 Jul 2017, 11:26

Other than swapping out the rack, did you have any other system components disconnected? ie, is it possible the reservoir is plumbed backward such that the pump is pulling fluid off the top rather than the bottom? (I don't know if the hoses would even connect that way.) Also, could the belt be slipping on the pump pulley when at idle?

95SE · Post by **95SE** » 10 Jul 2017, 13:46

I can check the belt, but that area was not touched. The reservoir hoses are not reversible. Thanks for the ideas though.

Post by **jonesg** » 11 Jul 2017, 00:39

If no-one has a definitive answer then you're left with a guess, choose either the rack or pump.
I would guess at the pump for these reasons, its easier to swap out, its cheap and its unknown condition.