POWER Steering

[oregontrail]

Hi,

I am off from school right now and wanted to track down an intermittent problem with the POWER steering... When in a parking lot the power steering gives out and the steering wheel gets stiff . The problem ONLY happens at parking lots or when driving less than 2 mph otherwise the steering behaves normal. I don't have any leaks. Has anyone had this issue? I don't quite know what to make of it. Electrical? Pump? Rack????

Thanks!

[ca18det_boy]

How's your belt tension and when was the last time the fluid was changed? I would be thinking that you might have a stuck valve in the rack. First thing I would think of is change the fluid if it's old.

[NolimitZ32]

1. Belt Tension
2. Fluid Level/Cleanliness
3. Bad Seals - seals inside the pump age and break down allowing fluid to pass by the impeller, at higher RPM there is enough flow to push the impeller along but at low revs the flow drops below the operating threshold and the resistance on your tires rises so your pump essentially becomes useless. I would be willing to bet that this is actually the issue and you need a new pump.

[centralcoaster33]

I'm not experienced with the Z like the above guys, but... For my 240sx, there is an over the counter rebuild kit with seals and a bearing for the power steering pump. It was very easy to rebuild. Perhaps one would exist for your Z. Also, there is a small sensor in my high pressure steering line that would raise the RPMs like 100 to compensate for extra work by the pump in parking lot situations. I do not know if your car will have this sensor or not. Anyway, a fluid flush might work, then maybe a pump rebuild, then finally a rack rebuild, then maybe this sensor? Good summer project. You can do it!

[oregontrail]

1. Belt Tension
2. Fluid Level/Cleanliness
3. Bad Seals - seals inside the pump age and break down allowing fluid to pass by the impeller, at higher RPM there is enough flow to push the impeller along but at low revs the flow drops below the operating threshold and the resistance on your tires rises so your pump essentially becomes useless. I would be willing to bet that this is actually the issue and you need a new pump.

I think I will look into number 3. Possible pump replacement. Thanks for the info, I will get a kit off Z1 and rebuild a spare pump that has been kicking around. Summer Z chores.

[NolimitZ32]

The Z32 does have a pressure sensor on the PS lines, also OP you may want to look into just getting a rebuilt unit from one of the vendors here on NICO or from an autoparts store, unless your car is a survivor and you want to keep all original parts on it there is no point to screwing with rebuilding the pump when a rebuilt unit with warranty can be had for around $100.