Power Steering, how it works?

SVX JAZZ · #1 05-03-2003, 08:18 PM

My power steering has been working well for the past week since I fooled around with the sensor near the power steering pump. What does this sensor do? No dash lights lit up when I un-plugged it. Mine is a 92 with speed sensitive steering. It has never seemed that speed "sensitive" though. How does the speed sensitive steering work? Does the pump vary it's pressure?

I would like to know why the binding in my steering simply went away. I do not belive it is a rack problem now. Racks don't usually just get better.

Thanks!!!!!

svx_commuter · #2 05-06-2003, 05:55 AM

That is great the binding went away.

It may have something to do with temperature. Have you changed the fluid?

The PS system workings? If I get time I'll look in the FSM.

SVX JAZZ · #3 05-06-2003, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by svx_commuter
That is great the binding went away. It may have something to do with temperature. Have you changed the fluid?

The PS system workings? If I get time I'll look in the FSM.

Yeah, I changed the fluid and added an additive (per huck). It still did the binding. The temp was cool when it first started acting up but it then as the days went on it warmed up around 80 but was still binding. Last Saturday I degreased the bottom end of my car (due to leaking cam seals, blown radiator hose and dripped power steering fluid). It cleaned up real well. Later that evening I unpluged the sensor that is located near the power steering pump. I drove it around and the steering came back to life. I don't know if it was the cleaning or the sensor. I am not sure what that sensor does. I pluged it back in and it has been fine. Sunday there was a slight binding on the way to church but nothing extreme.

Thanks,

Paul

#4 05-06-2003, 09:00 AM

I also have a 92. How do you know whether it has speed-sensitive steering and also which type. I have seen references to a couple of different type of steering systems. Are there any descriptions on what is different or how each works.

SVX JAZZ · #5 05-06-2003, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by tlemmons
I also have a 92. How do you know whether it has speed-sensitive steering and also which type. I have seen references to a couple of different type of steering systems. Are there any descriptions on what is different or how each works.

I am asuming it's speed sensitive since it is an LS-l, loaded with all options. It lossens up when I slow down and tightens up on the road at speed. Sometimes though, it's tight when I am driving slow. I guess it's sometimes speed sensitive.

Thanks

#6 05-06-2003, 10:24 AM

my power steering has been cutting in and out.. it primarily cuts out when the car is still cold.. once i drive around a bit, things start to feel fine.. but i get a stiff wheel and a bunch of christmas tree lights when i try to turn the wheel right after starting it... i checked the belt and it's not slipping or anything

-adam

svx_commuter · #7 05-07-2003, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by tlemmons
I also have a 92. How do you know whether it has speed-sensitive steering and also which type. I have seen references to a couple of different type of steering systems. Are there any descriptions on what is different or how each works.

The road speed sensitive rack has an electric module on it with a wire going to it. The engine speed sensitive rack does not.

If you look below the steering shaft you can see the top of the rack.

huck369 · #8 05-07-2003, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SVX JAZZ
My power steering has been working well for the past week since I fooled around with the sensor near the power steering pump. What does this sensor do? No dash lights lit up when I un-plugged it. Mine is a 92 with speed sensitive steering. It has never seemed that speed "sensitive" though. How does the speed sensitive steering work? Does the pump vary it's pressure?

I would like to know why the binding in my steering simply went away. I do not belive it is a rack problem now. Racks don't usually just get better.

Thanks!!!!!

When I added the Lucus additive to mine, I drove it a couple miles and it didn't seam to help...so I parked it, and about a week and a half later, I went out and it worked perfect....and has ever since.
The Last thing I did was add the additive, so I'm assuming that is what got it going, it might take a while to work in

Either way I'm just glad it's working

SVX JAZZ · #9 05-07-2003, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by huck369

When I added the Lucus additive to mine, I drove it a couple miles and it didn't seam to help...so I parked it, and about a week and a half later, I went out and it worked perfect....and has ever since.
The Last thing I did was add the additive, so I'm assuming that is what got it going, it might take a while to work in

Either way I'm just glad it's working

Heck Huck... It might have been the aditive that worked. Nothing changed after I first added it, but 4 days later the steering cleared up.

I am going to put that stuff in my stang and truck. Good stuff.

LarryIII · #10 05-07-2003, 09:56 AM

Here's what I know about how it works. You turn the steering wheel. That causes the front wheels to turn in the same direction as the steering wheel. I didn't say I knew alot.
I took the condensed Box-O-Tech course given at the RM Auto Mechanics & Clear Plastic Slip Cover School located in Maryland.

SVX JAZZ · #11 05-07-2003, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by LarryIII
Here's what I know about how it works. You turn the steering wheel. That causes the front wheels to turn in the same direction as the steering wheel. I didn't say I knew alot.
I took the condensed Box-O-Tech course given at the RM Auto Mechanics & Clear Plastic Slip Cover School located in Maryland.

You're kidding!!!!!

That sounds like the same kind of trining we get, or should I say "git" down here in NC.

lee · #12 05-07-2003, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LarryIII
Here's what I know about how it works. You turn the steering wheel. That causes the front wheels to turn in the same direction as the steering wheel. I didn't say I knew alot.
I took the condensed Box-O-Tech course given at the RM Auto Mechanics & Clear Plastic Slip Cover School located in Maryland.

I tried to sign up for their "How to steer when you're backing up with a trailer" class, but they took one look at me and started laughing. I never could figure that out.

svx_commuter · #13 05-08-2003, 05:05 AM

Hey guys. Just for the record, what is the name the additive goes by? Is it a Lucas power steering additive? I have used a Lucas a/t additive. I am not sure about the results. It doesn't help the 2-3 flair.

huck369 · #14 05-08-2003, 05:38 AM

The bottle is at home, but I think it's the only "Lucus" brand that is for power steering.

SVX JAZZ · #15 05-08-2003, 06:00 AM

Yeah, Lucas Power Steering aditive. I think it also says something about "stop leak" as well. It's a white bottle with a funny tip, almot like a squeeze bottle.

Paul