Power Steering - Hard-To-Turn! - Page 2

Huskymaniac · #16 01-28-2011, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svxfiles

Not usually.
When they go bad they usually get too tight.
For knocking ratteling over bumps check the anti-sway bar links, anti-sway bar bushings, drivers side anti-sway bar bolt on arm bolt, ball joints, and lower control arm bushings.
Go now, lay in the snow, it will be fun!

One thing at a time. Replaced another O2 sensor today. I think the rattling may have to wait until spring to finally be resolved. We already looked at most of the stuff you posted. Makes me think it is related to the steering rack like a loose or broken bracket or bad bushing or something.

By the way, did you get my PM about the radiator? The bowing on the sides is probably not normal. Makes me wonder what they did to it.

icingdeath88 · #17 01-28-2011, 11:16 AM

When you check the swaybar endlinks, make sure you also check the swaybar arm to swaybar connection on the driver's side. The one on my car was wobbly when I picked it up.

Huskymaniac · #18 01-28-2011, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by icingdeath88

When you check the swaybar endlinks, make sure you also check the swaybar arm to swaybar connection on the driver's side. The one on my car was wobbly when I picked it up.

I assume this needs to be checked on a lift, correct?

Speaking of swaybars, my Tribeca's bushings are toast again. Seems I only get about 30-40K miles out of them before they start making that weird kerplunk noise. I am going to look for poly bushings for it. How hard is it to replace bushings? Doesn't seem like a difficult task at all.

North Ursalia · #19 01-28-2011, 01:11 PM

You could put it on jackstands

James Scott · #20 01-28-2011, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huskymaniac

Will this potentially cause a knocking to rattling noise over bumps as well?

My guess.. BALL JOINTS! If the ball moves easily within its seat (when ball joint unattached on one end) , they re KNOCKING IN USE!

I was surprised mine made such a difference..They were not that loose to me! I thot I was replacing prematurely, just cuz I was "in there" doing (another) axle!

Jim

icingdeath88 · #21 01-28-2011, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huskymaniac

I assume this needs to be checked on a lift, correct?

Yup, front wheels off the ground.

James Scott · #22 03-07-2011, 05:56 PM

Thanks for the help y'all! I put a new O-ring in the reservoir.. and pumped out old fluid (Power steering fluid, ATF, Lucas PS Tx).. while replacing with standard power steering fluid (Prestone).

At first, it was better .. but still definitely a problem tightening up sometimes. But now, after replacing the alternator.. and putting on a new.. and slightly tighter (it was squeeling very infrequently) belt that I had on hand, The steering seems close to perfect!

I think Charlie Sheen must have intervened.. . It seems to have healed itself!

I'll keep y'all posted.. This is really wierd.. Maybe a stuck piston finally loosened.. . ???

Thanks, Jim

icingdeath88 · #23 03-08-2011, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Scott

while replacing with standard power steering fluid (Prestone).

I hope you mean ATF. The power steering in the SVX takes AFT, not regular power steering fluid. Dunno about the consequences, if any though...

James Scott · #24 03-08-2011, 05:57 PM

Dint know Dat!.. Ha!

Oops!

Thanks, Jim

P.S. Maybe I shud look into Dat.. . Hmmm? Works now better than ever tho.. ??

North Ursalia · #25 03-08-2011, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by icingdeath88

I hope you mean ATF. The power steering in the SVX takes AFT, not regular power steering fluid. Dunno about the consequences, if any though...

It will eat through the seals, assuming they are still OEM- change it as quickly as you can.

icingdeath88 · #26 03-08-2011, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by North Ursalia

It will eat through the seals, assuming they are still OEM- change it as quickly as you can.

I agree, and maybe flush it too. If you're lucky then the normal PS fluid dissolved some junk in the pump and when you switch back to the right kind of fluid it will still be acting better than it was.

Freeman · #27 03-08-2011, 09:42 PM

Yeah flushing out the "normal" ps fluid isn't really just a petty suggestion. It's STRONGLY recommended to do it asap... Like now.

svxum2teal · #28 03-08-2011, 11:35 PM

Sorry to jump in, but the PS - ATF fluid question has been something I am interested in.

Has anyone tried the 'Lubegard' Power Steering product in their SVX? It says it is safe for the seals and their FAQ says if the system recommends ATF then "Most power steering systems will perform just as well with LUBEGARD Power Steering Fluid as they will with ATF." (Kind of scary...)

My '92 SVX has a PS 'hesitation' only sometimes and I have not figured out what is causing it so I was planning a flush + O-ring replace + fill to see if that fixes it...

(Lubegard link - Lubegard Power Steering Fluid )
They also make a 'Flush' fluid and a 'Protectant' I was thinking of using...)

dcarrb · #29 03-09-2011, 05:41 AM

"Power steering fluid" is mainly a marketing construct (a way to sell fancy ATF at twice the price); it isn't likely to harm an SVX (nor any car) unless the labeling specifically prohibits that particular application. Think about it. The fact that Subaru specifies ATF simply means one need not buy some dedicated PS potion.

dcb

kinz · #30 03-09-2011, 09:28 AM

I got the same thing going with the power steering. New belt only helped for a little bit. New o-ring for the resevour didn't help. I do believe I have a PS leak still around the resivour. My next step is to check the pullys. When the steering ain't working my belt slips effecting my alternator, so I figure either the pump is having an issue and restricting the pully from being turned properly or its a pully issue causing the pump to not get the proper turns to operate properly.