98 S70 N/A 5-Speed: Power Steering Problems (Seafoam Transtune) Topic is solved

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 22 Dec 2017, 14:34

Here are my symptoms:
- Stiff steering. Have gone through about a half dozen drain and fills (High Mileage ATF). Sometimes it improves things. Most of the tile it doesn't! The last one with the Seafoam Transtune treatment gave me the best feeling. For about a month the steering was smooth... However, I popped open the reservoir to see how the level was (it was perfect) and immediately after, steering became stiff again.

- I've sprayed the inside and outside knuckles with Liquid Wrench, no difference in steering.

- No real groaning from the power steering pump. Unless I'm getting into a real tight parking spot...

- A lot of initial play from stop. At a stop light, I can turn the wheel about five inches in each direction before I feel any resistance.

- And, today, I gunned it in first gear and there was a clunk unlike the control arm, tie rod, sway end, subframe bushing kind of clunk... I'll check my side engine and torque mounts, but those are fairly new. Could this sound be steering rack related? What kinds of noises would a failing steering rack make?

Some more questions:
- Should I get a new power steering pump in there? (I have one ready to go, I've just hesitated since I didn't get the power steering line seals...)
- Should I start planning that power steering rack replacement? (Surprised how one power steering line is more expensive than the power steering rack!)
- Can I drive a few thousand miles before the power steering has to be replaced? Does the rack catastrophically fail?)

As always, thanks everyone!

Post by **misha** » 22 Dec 2017, 17:16

Why high mileage atf?
Regular red Atf fluid is sufficient.

That initial play you have indicates worn steering components(usually tie rods) the noise is there for confirmation....or the rack itself.
It could also be a steering wheel UJ(universal joint) from central column to the steering rack pinion.It makes awful clunking noise,but the clunking is limited for inside the cabin.

IF you have air in the system it must be relieved.
Open the ps reservoir cap and start the engine.Turn the wheel from fully left to fully right untill steering becomes normal and ps pump stops making noise.
The procedure should take around 5-10 min.

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 23 Dec 2017, 07:18

Figured the high mileage was better for the old seals?

Thanks for the insight, Misha. As always, your help is greatly appreciated. I'll get this thing up on jack stands and do another flush and then bleed it.

I'll also get some inner tie rods. I replaced mine when I got the car almost three years ago (with Meyle...) And I'm on my second set of Meyle outers... the car tracks pretty straight though...

Post by **misha** » 23 Dec 2017, 07:28

If there is no play or damage in steering and suspension parts there is no need to replace them.

My tie rods are still original.

Post by **FLXC90** » 24 Dec 2017, 08:37

Two person job unless you have really long arms.
With engine running and car on the ground, turn the wheel and see if there is a delay in turning at the wheel. Listen and feel for binding or clunk then.
With engine off, car on stands, check for play at the wheels. Also, as mentioned listen at the base of the column for the u-joint to make noise, or clunk.
With engine on, remove cap, bleed air from the system.

Failing seals in the rack will cause reduced effectiveness, may be internal seals bypassing. Repair is rebuild or replace. I drive Armstrong every day, my pump doesn't wail, but my car is effectively manual steering. As long as there is fluid in the rack to keep it lubricated, it will just be heavy, you won't damage it.
You say the pump only groans at high load, like turning all the way to the stop, so it seems to be working. However, if it just isn't putting out enough pressure (due to wear) it may go that way. If the swap doesn't bother you, since you already have one, it IS a troubleshooting step.

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 25 Dec 2017, 21:24

Hey FLXC90, thanks for suggestions. I will definitely get to them. But you know what, the steering has "magically" gotten better. I wonder if there's something up with my cap. (As this latest "stiffness" arose when I opened it up two weeks ago.)

I'm going to order a new cap and see if that gives me more consistent steering... Will definitely report back on this.

Post by **abscate** » 26 Dec 2017, 05:42

I don't think then reservoir runs under pressure, opening the cap was coincidental. Maybe you had some dirt in the system which worked its way out?

It's a big job, and Nasty in winter, but jacking up and releasing outer tie rod ends is the definite test for steering knuckle binding.

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 08 Apr 2018, 20:38

Just to update this thread.

Have done about 4K miles since I started this thread and our steering has been smooth for the past 2500K.

I Transtuned twice and replaced the ATF twice, too. I am getting some ATF around the cap of my reservoir. (Maybe there's too much pressure in there?) But other than that, steering is smooooth. (Will replace the fluid when I get around to doing my oil and coolant change... damn you, you cold Spring!!!)

Moral of the story: try Seafoam Transtune before committing to a new power steering pump.