power steering issue

[samp5679]

just fitted a recon steering rack an the power steering is very tight sincei changed, doneabout 200 mile since an its stilltoo heavy , any ideas

[richardthestag]

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Firstly have you bled the pas fluid through the system. ideally with the front of the car in the air, start the engine and wind the steering from lock to lock IIRC check the ROM

Next loosen the intermediate shaft pinch bolts, wind the steering lock to lock then tighten the pinch bolts - I had a wierd problem a few years back which was resolved by doing this. I screwed up when I installed poly bushes to the steering rack. I didn't undo the pinch bolts and then when I nipped up the steering rack mounts tight it strained the intermediate shaft and caused tight steering. BUT oddly only in one direction.

Next I'd check the steering intermediate shaft uj's - are the nice and free.

Why did you replace the rack? when did it last work? could be that the strut top mounts have siezed up. I used to use copper eaze on them but found that it solidified over time so LM grease goes in now.

getting a bit cold outside to messa bout with cars.#

R

[Sheepdip]

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samp5679 wrote:

just fitted a recon steering rack an the power steering is very tight sincei changed, doneabout 200 mile since an its stilltoo heavy , any ideas

Out of interest what are you comparing against? Was your former maybe very light?

Its possible the rack adjustment is to tight, other than rechecking you could uncouple track rods and turn the steering wheel with engine off, see how it feels, this also allows you to check each strut as Richard suggested.

Another member experienced same and after several racks is looking at pump pressure settings instead, assuming the possibility the relief spring weakens over time.

Paul

[chrisn]

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Before getting too involved, there is a an adjustment pad located under the grease point. If this has been overadjusted to remove excess play, this will tighten the rack too.

[samp5679]

imported post

richardthestag wrote:

Firstly have you bled the pas fluid through the system. ideally with the front of the car in the air, start the engine and wind the steering from lock to lock IIRC check the ROM

Next loosen the intermediate shaft pinch bolts, wind the steering lock to lock then tighten the pinch bolts - I had a wierd problem a few years back which was resolved by doing this. I screwed up when I installed poly bushes to the steering rack. I didn't undo the pinch bolts and then when I nipped up the steering rack mounts tight it strained the intermediate shaft and caused tight steering. BUT oddly only in one direction.

Next I'd check the steering intermediate shaft uj's - are the nice and free.

Why did you replace the rack? when did it last work? could be that the strut top mounts have siezed up. I used to use copper eaze on them but found that it solidified over time so LM grease goes in now.

getting a bit cold outside to messa bout with cars.#

R

changed the rack because the old one was leaking inside however the old rack

steering was light as a feather only gone like this since it was replaced

[samp5679]

imported post

thanks lads i will check all of the above and report back

simon