rich07

Hi Guys, I had some problems with the steering rack on my 89GT last year, the power steering was only working in one direction so i removed the rack and sent her away to be refurbished, i did the engine mounts and sump gasket while the rack was out, a messy job but satisfying once it was all back togther and I figured the rack would be good for at least another 10 years.....

I'm really hoping I don't have a problem with the rack again, is it common for the pump to fail? I have power steering assitance for a quarter of a turn in either direction, but most of the driving i need to use both hands as the power steering is doing nothing...

I have checked the level in the pot, it's 3/4 full, no leaks on the rack, nothing leaking from any of the powersteering lines??

Any ideas what my next step is?

Rich
89GT

Mako 928

How is the tension on the belt?

rich07

Hi Greg, the Belt probably could be tightened a little, but i figured that if it was to loose and slipping it would squeal?

i'll tighten the belt a little tomorrow to be sure..

Rich
89Gt

Tails

Check the power steering pump.
Tails 1990 928S4 Auto

rich07

Check the power steering pump??

Rich
89Gt

StratfordShark

A pump failure is extremely rare - any pump problem more likely related to inlet/outlet getting blocked by dirt/grit. Also if pump has failed that isn't consistent with PS working for 1/4 turn. I'm leaning towards the rack...

rich07

Yep, my guess is that's the rack again, i'll get in touch with the company that did the refurb tomorrow, if there open. Hopefully they will do the work for free if the rack is at faulty as it's only a just out of the warranty period..... will keep you updated.

cheers Rich
89gt

Jadz928

My last rack started failing after 20K. System received a new rack and flush. The key is in the flush. I don't think the rack does well with any major debris.

jcorenman

Rich,

When you had the rack out last year, did you replace the PS reservoir and flush the lines? There is a filter in the reservoir which collects a lot of stuff, and is not removable/cleanable except by replacing the reservoir. It is also a good time to replace the reservoir hoses. Before installing the rack flush clean fluid (ATF) through the lines and pump- rotate the pump (CW) by hand until the fluid runs out clean.

Cheers,

ROG100

If it turns out to be the pump a reseal kit is very cheap and easy to do.

rich07

Hi guys, i'm afraid i did'nt replace the reservoir or flush the lines when i refitted the refurbed rack! Doh, Driving the car this morning, the assistance definitely varies, from some help to none? There is nothing electrical that could contribute to lost of PS, if i go over a bump sometimes the PS will improve? I know this sounds very strange....

I'm going to jack her up this morning, double check for any leaks and tighten the PS belt..

If nothing improves i guess i can take a guess at either the pump or the rack, sounds like the pump is fairly easy to rebuild...

keep you posted, rich
89GT

StratfordShark

Wouldn't you need to do some kind of bleed after refitting the rack, otherwise there would be air in the lines?

rich07

I don't think you need to bleed air out, the system should self bleed....

i have tightened the belt, still no joy, no leaking fluid anywhere, i have spoken to the guys who refurbed the rack, they are happy to test the rack if i send it to them but they think unless the rack is leaking it's unlikely to be at fault, unless steering one way was difficult (broken spring) i'm going to get a secondhand pump and PS hoses from Paul andersdon, i can still use the car and using the secondhand hoses as templates i can have some replacement hoses made, i'll fit a new reservoir and pump and see what happens, if it's not the pump then i guess i be sending the rack of to be tested....

That PS belt was a pain to adjust earlier, defo the wrong time of year to be outside under the bonnet of a 928

Mako 928

rich
Be sure to get new crush washers for the hoses. This will cause leaking if not replaced when you do the hoses.

StratfordShark

Rich the 'bleed' I mentioned just involves operating steering lock to lock a few times while making sure reservoir is kept topped up. This should remove air from system. In that sense you're correct that it 'self-bleeds'.

But if you do have air in system it would be pretty obvious from froth in the reservoir and groaning noises. You haven't mentioned either so I may be on wrong track entirely.

Make sure you use new crush washers at the banjo bolts when you try the 'new' pump. The sizes in PET are unusual but standard metric crush washers with same internal diameter are fine.

I found it pretty easy to adjust PS belt tension from under the car, but make sure all bolts holding pump to bracket through slots are loose.

I always found it easier to remove hoses from pump with alternator removed, though more dextrous people than me have found they could do it with alternator in place.