before you guys go buying new parts... Check to see all of your fuses are good. At this age, it would be a good idea to replace them ALL anyway. Just for safe measure. If the power lead to the rack is shot in a blown fuse...like mine was... this is what will happen, the valve will not open to allow more pressure through, thus giving you a heavy wheel

Tom

As Tom found with my Pearlie, are you sure there is ATF fluid in the system and no PS fluid?

Thanks
 

I think this is the problem. I've changed the fuse with no improvement. I haven't had a chance yet to get under the car to check the connector at the rack but I'm assuming it's clearly visible once I get under the car. Where is the connector at the PS pump?

Just below and to the passenger side of the pump.

dcb

It's fixed.
 

I gave up trying to find the problem and took the car back to the guy that did the 5-speed swap for me. He traced the problem to a connector (that he accidently missed reconnecting) just above the steering column.

He reconnected it and voila - problem solved.

Congrats on the easy fix! :)

glad to hear it was that simple...

Tom

I take the opportunity of this thread to ask something:

I have the feeling that my powersteering acts a weird way... I explain:

It seems that everything's works well for the first 15 or 20mns of driving (smooth wheel under any condition) and then it starts to get heavy, like there was no more assistance once the fluid gets warm??? This is easy to feel when driving off the highway into town again like I'm saying, after 15mns or so of driving at 70/80 MPH and then back to 20/30MPH... As I understand the USDM cars have some kind of double effect steering rule? Can my problem come from a defect sensor or something like that or??? :confused:

I have to add that my dealer told me that the pump has been changed once a few years ago (original was leaking a lot) and like it was urgent, they did put a €uro pump on it. Are they different because of that US specificity? Previous owner never complained (an old man) but I did feel that weird steering acting directly!
Can someone help me? My dealer is cool but we're in €urope and a USDM SVX is not something really common around here... :rolleyes:. In fact since I'm reading this forum, I almost know more than him on the subjet! :D

Thanx!!! ;)

There are two different steering systems, depending on model. One adjusts power assistance relative to engine speed, the more advanced system according to road speed.

Can you please provide more information regarding the replacement pump which was fitted, i.e. "Curo" or should this read "Euro" ?:confused:

Oh of course I'm stupid, excuse me! I just realize that you guys can't see the "Euro" sign I'm using... :o

So yes, I mean "Euro".

My car seems a '92 LS-L as I see it. She has all the equipments of it. Which means if I do understand well also the speed based steering assistance. ;)

you have the speed based steering that Trevor is refering to

Tom

No one has an idea for me? I did a research and saw an old thread with someone having exactly the same symptoms. At least I know I'm not crazy... :p

I can add that there is some kind of "free point" in the middle, very easy to feel at highway speed (around 80 MPH): you have to turn the steering wheel for 2 or 3 centimeters left or right before it is transmitted to the wheels. Meanwhile it's like the steering wheel is "free". Can you understand what I'm tring to express? Sorry but it's hard to find the right words in English...
One thing's shure: very nasty feeling when driving on the highway...

check all the electrical connections and related fuses mentioned in this thread and get back to us

Tom

It is appreciated that you are experiencing something difficult to describe.

Do you in fact have mechanical free play between the the steering wheel and the wheels, or are you referring to a lack of power assistance until there is some movement of the wheel? :confused: Your explanation, " it's like the steering wheel is 'free' ", would indicate mechanical free play.

We are concerned and sincerely wish to be of help. :)

Here's an interesting one - when my wheel is turned left, I get a staccato buzz in the stereo. Straight or right, no problem.