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ourv12
Samba Member
Joined: November 30, 2006
Posts: 492
Location: Great SouthWest Michigan
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 Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2019 4:35 pm Post subject: 91 Power Steering Intermittent ???? |
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| My power steering pump reservoir is full.....lines are dry with no leaks....but steering becoming intermittently more difficult everyday. Is that a sign the power steering rack is going bad??? |
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?Waldo?
Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2006
Posts: 9752
Location: Where?
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| Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2019 4:36 pm Post subject: Re: 91 Power Steering Intermittent ???? |
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| I had similar happen and it was indeed the rack. |
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floodwood
Samba Member
Joined: October 22, 2017
Posts: 164
Location: Cambridge, MA
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| Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2021 5:20 am Post subject: Re: 91 Power Steering Intermittent ???? |
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I have been having some issues with my PS on my '91 that I have been having some issues tracking down. I farmed this out to my mechanic so the work is under warranty, but I want to get the job done right and understand if I am missing something in the system.
1. Original PS rack leaking, replaced with new PS rack.
2. New PS rack #1 developed play on drivers side, determined to be some metal that the pump pushed through the rack. Replaced pump and rack.
3. New PS rack #2 starting to work only intermittently (it's not really working) and I *think* I can feel play starting to develop again in the same location.
As far as I know and per Bently pg. 48.6, the system is relatively simple and is is comprised of the reservoir/pump in the rear, the hard lines leading to the rack, and the rack.
If the pump, fluid and rack have all been replaced, I am having a hard time figuring out where the issue could be coming from this second time and what else needs to be addressed in the system?
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32602
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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floodwood
Samba Member
Joined: October 22, 2017
Posts: 164
Location: Cambridge, MA
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| Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2021 6:03 am Post subject: Re: 91 Power Steering Intermittent ???? |
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Is it possible for one clogged filter to disrupt the entire system? Are there any other failure points I should address? The only thing I can think of is that I used PS fluid instead of ATF fluid, but I wouldn't think this would cause such a premature failure |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32602
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Squidfish
Samba Member
Joined: November 24, 2004
Posts: 336
Location: 95519
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| Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2021 9:17 am Post subject: Re: 91 Power Steering Intermittent ???? |
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Thanks for the link on FCP Euro for the filter DjKeev, I had forgotten about how solid that site is! It's been a decade probably since I flushed system/looked at my PS filter... I just grabbed a new PS filter and some Mann oil filters for a great deal.
_________________
1985.5 - Vanagon Westfalia Weekender Wolfsburg Edition - LH8U - "Penny"
- 2.6i 5-Cylinder 10v (2004) |
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floodwood
Samba Member
Joined: October 22, 2017
Posts: 164
Location: Cambridge, MA
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| Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2021 6:49 am Post subject: Re: 91 Power Steering Intermittent ???? |
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Just picked up the new filter and will install it next week when it comes in.
Any recommendations on what to look to next if the problem persists post- filter swap? |
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bobhill8
Samba Member
Joined: June 09, 2017
Posts: 736
Location: MA
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| Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2021 7:04 am Post subject: Re: 91 Power Steering Intermittent ???? |
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Hey FW, Just a tip to handle that reservoir carefully. I broke one of the nozzles off my original one, and the top is notoriously difficult to take off. It is threaded but hard to get a grip on. I emptied mine and then flipped it upside down and put the cap in a vice, then was able to apply better pressure with both hands to turn the bottom off. Make sure you turn the correct way with it upside down. BTDT.
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1986 Westy
1971 Squareback |
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Chewbacca88
Samba Member
Joined: April 16, 2021
Posts: 2
Location: MD
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| Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2021 7:11 am Post subject: Re: 91 Power Steering Intermittent ???? |
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| Hey thanks for that. I just rebuilt my PS system from behind the gas tank including a new pump. I got new metal lines made as well as new hoses from the pump. Didn't think to replace the filter. Ordering one now. |
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floodwood
Samba Member
Joined: October 22, 2017
Posts: 164
Location: Cambridge, MA
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| Posted: Sat May 08, 2021 5:13 am Post subject: Re: 91 Power Steering Intermittent ???? |
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| Update: After replacing the filter, we determined the intermittent steering was due to the steering coupler between the rack and column binding up and rusting. After freeing it up and lubing it, I look to have normal steering function again. |
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