mazdaverx7

the steering in my 85.1 944 is fairly stiff as if it is not power assisted. i have a full reservoir, the belt is new and is tensioned properly, no leaks what so ever. the steering does not return to center on its own, i have to help it and guide it back. there's something that i'm missing with my diagnostic efforts. i don't know if the rack is binding or if perhaps i need to clean and grease a steering universal joint or yolk..maybe there's another issue that i'm overlooking. i checked clark's garage but thought i'd also post here in search of an answer.

bonus12

Could it be that your pump is not pumping?

xsboost90

there is a ps cooler in the ps front bumper cover. Pull the lines from each side and blow compressed air through. They commonly get crap clogged up in the loops. My turbo was alittle stiff and once i cleaned it out and put new fluid in they steering was wayyyyy better.

mazdaverx7

the pump doesn't have a choice but to pump as the belt is connected and tensioned properly. i believe that if the internal vanes were bad the power steering pump would make noise. i don't even hear the pump whining at full lock or when turning the wheel.

mazdaverx7

i would be happy to pull the front bumper and try this method. heck, i could even remove the cooler and hot tank it while i'm at it..

Darwantae951

Pretty sure a hot tank would be bad for the rubber line.

xsboost90

no need to pull the bumper, just pop the lines off each end and get a drain pan.

mazdaverx7

good call on the degredation of the pressure line on the cooler when placed in the hot tank. i think i can get at the cooler from the right front wheel well..

MAGK944

I'll go out on a limb here and disagree with what's been suggested. *I would be looking at caster, wheel bearing or toe wear for your lack of self centering. Castor has the most effect on self centering, it will also make your ps seem stiffer if it's not set correctly. When did you have your last alignment?

Even with no oil in the rack or a manual rack it self centers if the alignment is correct.

montel52

Just because the pump is turning doesn't mean there is pressure. Pump should whine a little in the lock position.

F40LM

Great Point.

mazdaverx7

i can't say for sure when the last time was that the car was aligned. i can however say that the tires have no uneven wear, are not choppy, and the car tracks perfectly straight. it does need control arm bushings but i think that's the least of the cars issues.

MAGK944

I still think you have a Castor or related issue. Castor has little effect on tire wear but is the most likely cause of not self centering after a turn. It will still track straight in normal straight ahead driving but when you turn the wheel will want to keep going in the same direction and you have to pull it straight. Your steering will feel stiffer also and both these problems are what you say you have.

You cannot adjust Castor on these cars but a number of factors will change it. An alignment might show it's wrong but that isn't always reliable as the Castor issue might only happen when the car is moving.

Issues that will cause bad Castor are:

1. Worn top mount bearing/bushings.
2. Loose damper in strut.
3. Bad control arm bushings.
4. Under-inflated tires.
5. Bad track control arms.

944Ross

If the filter in the reservoir is plugged, it has the effect of lowering the boost. I don't know that you can clean them. BTW what fluid are you using?

944Ross

Very suspicious!