Power Steering Part 2

[mudinuri]

The problem with my power steering now seems to be getting worse.

On starting the engine from cold the power steering still quickly rocks back and for when trying to turn the wheel but now it feels as if there is no Power steeering at all until the fluid gets warm. I have checked the fluid levels and they look ok.

Any advice very welcome.

When I was thinking of buying a RAV i was told that the NV engined cars are only 2 wheel drive. Is this correct?

Cheers

[gjnorthall]

The 4.2 1.8l version NV was front wheel drive only.

Theres a few possibilities with your steering - you've already checked the reservoir level. Any strange noises from the pump / rack?

- Wrong fluid or the use of proprietary leak sealing additives.

- Pump problem possibly causing relief valve to lift sporadically.

- Pinion internal seal damage / damaged torsion shaft.

Don't take any risks with the steering - get it checked out by a PAS specialist or garage.

[mudinuri]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply.

1) There are no noises from the Pump or the Rack.

2) The wrong fluid! Should I drain the reservoir and refill with new fluid?

3) Pump problem! The relief valve- is this a DIY job or is a new Pump called for?

4) Pinion internal seal damaged! what would this entail?

As a 72 year old man, reasonably fit I can carry out most reasonably easy tasks when it comes to the mechanical side of things , or are these repairs which a garage woiuld need to rectify?

Any advice gratefully accepted

Regards

[gjnorthall]

It may be better to get some first hand advice before embarking on anything. Draining and flushing the system is easy enough if evidence points to this as a problem (I've seem systems topped up with engine oil, brake fluid etc etc over the years).

The pump is easily tested - together with the internal relief valve. The fact that the pump is quiet is a good thing - damaged pumps are usually noisy and you can hear the reief valve lifting - theres a distinct change in pump sound. If it's a rack issue - this is not a DIY proposition - it's better to fit a reconditioned rack - in-fact a PAS specialist can recondition yours. If you want a good contact with rapid turnaround - please get back.

[mudinuri]

Hi Gjnorthall,

Thanks for all the advice. I took the car out this morning and on returning with the oil hot it did look a little low, so I added some fresh Power steering fluid but the old stuff in the reservoir looks pretty dirty and black. So I think I might drain and flush the system before I do anything else and if there is no improvement I will get back to you.

By the way, have tried programming the key fob but as yet with no luck, but the weather isn"t helping either as I don"t have a garage.regards