92Q Power Steering Acting Wierd

[thirdq]

Ok - 135K, 92Q base model. The power steering is getting a little hard at stationary speeds - I can understand something is going bad (soleniod, PSCU, etc) - I have the manual and follow it to check these electrical parts out.

The fluid is fine.

Interestingly at diriving speeds, the steering is fine. Only when I turn left at a road intersection [decent amount of time to drive to complete the turn], half way thru the turn all of a sudden the steering will get a pull to the right (and I am turning left) as if someone is trying to steer it in the opposite direction - this last for a half second or so and then it is back to normal. I can absolutely feel this pull on the steering [may be it is loosing the assist or something, but it cetainly does it]. It is doing it only on turns of some duration [long turns, etc]. The speed would be around 15-20MPH I guess.

1. What is the best way to check the soleniods and the PSCU? 2. Are these both available for checking inside the cabin or do I need to crawl beneath the car? 3. Also, do I need to take some dash pieces out to expose the connectors/terminals for checking?

Thanks

[maxnix]

Before doing the solenoids, I would check the belts and idlers. All of them.

When was the last time the PS fluid was replaced?

[thirdq]

1. Belts and Pullies changed some 2 years back [all belts and the 2 pulleys] dealer parts.2. PS Oil changed every year [roughly 8K miles]

I checked the voltage on the diagnostic connector pin7 and it is steady at 4.9ish.

next I need to check the PS Control Unit - where the heck is the connector for this? Is it beneath the steering wheel area? I am at loss there, any direction as to exactly how to get to the PSCU conenctor would be very helpful [what parts to remove (if any)].....

Also, on which side is the PS solenoid valve - driver or passenger (on the steering rack)?

Thanks

Before doing the solenoids, I would check the belts and idlers. All of them.

When was the last time the PS fluid was replaced?

[squeefoo]

1. Belts and Pullies changed some 2 years back [all belts and the 2 pulleys] dealer parts.2. PS Oil changed every year [roughly 8K miles]

I checked the voltage on the diagnostic connector pin7 and it is steady at 4.9ish.

next I need to check the PS Control Unit - where the heck is the connector for this? Is it beneath the steering wheel area? I am at loss there, any direction as to exactly how to get to the PSCU conenctor would be very helpful [what parts to remove (if any)].....

Also, on which side is the PS solenoid valve - driver or passenger (on the steering rack)?

Thanks

PSCU is buried up above the gas pedal, just to the left of the stereo.I'd look at that as a last resort.The solenoid is on the drivers' side of the rack -on the back w/3 10mm bolts. See if it clicks w/ 12 volts applied and check continuity per FSM.Next I'd look at the VSS output voltage, (pass. side trans. -tailshaft housing, halfway up) .... you can snake 2 wires from the connector into the cabin while you drive it while following the test procedure.Test for voltage. Approx. .03 VDC per MPH, but follow the procedure first.(VSS test towards the end of the EL section)I would bet your VSS is shot. (Mine was, and took the PSCU out with it )

I'd definitely try these two first, unless you like taking the center console and the lower drivers' dash apart, but it's a good chance to clean it. Please write back with any questions or findings.

[thirdq]

I will check the solenoid and report back here.

Still not sure of the VSS test - can you please elaborate a little bit more - I guess I am slow.....

Thanks

[Q45tech]

Probe the Consult connector to view the variable voltage that changes with speed per FSM.....this tells you speed sensor is getting to PS ecu and ecu is reacting..............usually solenoid connection unless it has shorted and blown PS ecu.....................intermitents are just that interminent connections.

[Q451990]

Also, check the u-joint that connects the steering column shaft and rack. Failure is rare, but it happened to me. Mine was worse shortly after startup and then got better as everything heated up...

Heath