will951

Hey all

I seem to have a problem with my power steering. Here are the situations:

1) Sometimes (any kind of weather) it will make a screach noise when turning the wheel...like it's low on fluid....but very quick and then goes away. When that happens, the steering wheel also locks up. Again....just just a split second. I release pressure and try again and no problems. This will happen once a day at the most.

2) When I go through a puddle, I will lose power steering for just a second or two. It will be tough to turn....and then fine again!

I know I have a slight leak in my Steering Rack...but I don't think it would cause these problems.

I think that the puddle water is splashing up and causing my belt to slip. As far as #1 goes...maybe the same worn out belt is slipping once in a while....not allowing for the pump to get any fluid where it needs to go.

What do you all think? Any help is MUCH appreciated.

Chris_924s

#1, air bubble in the ps line ??

#2, Check the tension on the PS belt. It may be time for a replacement belt too.

The "puddle" then no PS is a classic belt slipping on the pulley issue. The belt gets wet and slips on the pully, so no PS until it dries off and re-engages.

pete944

It sounds like the belt is either slightly loose or glazed a bit.

pete944

Dammit, Chris beat me.

Stupid slow computer.

will951

Thanks guys. That is what I figured it was. I will replace the belt next week (out of town til next Tues) and see how it works from there.

BTW...I tried to check the tension yesterday....there is a lot more stuff in the way compared to my old NA (airbox, intercooler pipes etc)!! What a PITA!

Any recommendations on tensioning? Push test....3/8" of movement or twist test?

pete944

It's easier to get to the belt fom the bottom.
I don't have the factory spec in front of me but that belt is supposed to be pretty damn tight. 3/8" deflection may be too much.

Peckster

The noise is air getting into your system. Your leaky rack is almost certainly the cause, you need a rebuilt one.

You can get the air out for the day by turning the wheel from lock to lock.

will951

Absolutely.....I was just seeing if I could reach down there to check tension like on the old car. I'll just jump under there when I get a chance. It sucks not living at my parents (I know that makes no sense but hear me out). They have a full shop lift and EVERY tool you could need. Now I'm stuck with my tiny garage with limited tools....

I never realized that a rack with a small leak would allow for air into the system. Looks like I should just get another in the near future. Any idea on prices or does anyone have one laying around that I could rebuild or has been rebuilt?

Alex Cook

I looked it up the other day cause I need to tighten mine. Deflection should be 5mm or 3/16" in old money.

pete944

I don't think you have air in the system. That's more of a groaning noise. You said a screeching noise which is usually the belt slipping. Losing the power assist when the belt gets wet is the clincher. Just tighten it and you should be good to go.

will951

Thanks guys.

Today with all the rain the problem was non-stop....driving me freakin nuts!!

will951

UPDATE:

Power steering has stopped working. Further investigation shows the belt has come off.

I pulled the belt out and check the power steering pump. The top mounting bolt has no nut on it!!! You can giggle the pump around freely!! So...I am going to buy another nut to get that thing to stay in place. Then slap the belt on and be on my way.

Thanks again guys. You have been very helpful!