My power steering has this weird issue where it's smooth when turning to the left, but turning sharply to the right seems to make the assistance hesitate for a brief moment. Kinda like the steering wheel has to overcome a notch or detent before turning further. It feels like the pump can't keep up with the initial demand for steering assistance, but it's odd that it only happens when turning right and not left. Anyone here have an idea about what might be going on, and whether it's likely to be a pump/solenoid/rack issue?
Does your steering rack make contact with anything especially when turning right? Get somebody else to turn the wheel while yourself/somebody has a look has the steering rack to see if its making contact with anything. Some people with LHD extractors on their NA's have this issue & thats why most people persuade the extractors to not make contact. Abraham
Nah, it's not fouling on anything and my exhaust manifolds are stock. Rack bushings are fine too, and it definitely feels like a hydraulic issue.
The power steering uses the speed sensor input to determine assist check or replace your speed sensor and your problem will be fixed
If that was true, it would be happening when turning the wheel in either direction. It's not speed sensor related, the level of assistance at every speed is normal. I'm talking about a slight pause in the delivery of hydraulic pressure when turning the wheel to the right.
I'm having that issue with mine ATM. Leaking fluid from the pump area and cuts in and out both directions.
Tony, Most likely air in the system. Check the hydraulic level is okay, if right then you may have an air pocket in the rack itself. try cycling the steering rack lock to lock, a few times. Do you have a leak from the steering rack as this can do this as well.
as Dave suggested..... usually air in the system. the other cause is a worn rack which allows oil pressure to rise n fall and hence the increasing/decreasing notchy steering. check for air (as Dave described) check for leaks both at the pump and the actual rack check for free-play where the tie-rod ends connect to the rack change-over racks were about the $220 mark 2 years ago (more if you don't send yours back ) edit: my work truck (4tonner) has an old-school steering box with power steering & it does the exact same thing you've described, fine when going left and shudders and resists when going to the right, the issue was caused a year ago when my co-worker blew the return hose and didn't realise it and kept driving my truck, we replaced the pump which was shagged but the steering box also suffered, and the boss wont buy a replacement, mutter mutter......
Thanks Dave and BadZX, sounds like it could be the culprit. There's no obvious leaks of any fluid under the car, but I know that both rack boots are pretty ratty. I might actually do a full PS flush on the weekend, the stuff that's already in there must be ancient. What's the best way to drain the system? I was thinking that pulling the low pressure return hose from the rack to the hard line would do the trick, but keen to hear any other methods.
