80 series diesel turbo power steering not working at idle

[mutilated]

Hi Guys,
Just got an 80 series and the power steering is hard to move at idle but ok as the revs come up. Has got slight leaks from both pump and box but fluid is full. I think its a faulty pump but dont want to change it and find it has not fixed the problem. Any advise greatly apreciated.
Cheers Steve.

[vSAHARAx]

Welcome to owning an 80. all the 80 series cruiser we've had over the years had piss poor power steering. On the bitumen with my 305x70x16 muddies the power steering sort of binds up, but then again i suppose good driving practice is to keep it rolling slightly. What size tyres is it running?

Troy

[mutilated]

its on 35s

[+dj_hansen+]

Just a word of warning, try not to 'dry-steer' ie steering without moving forward/backward as there is a shite load of pressure created by the power steering pump (1000psi+) and 80s boxes have a habit of twisting sector shafts in the steering box.

FWIW, mine is fine on 285x85x16's, i know you can adjust the pre-load on the steering box, its in the manual so maybe have a look there.

[dow50r]

the seals in the system go hard from too much heat. They all then leak, the ones in the box leak internally and you loose assistance....the pump leaks externally and ou have a mess...it all starts when we cover up the heat exchanger behind the bumperbar and everything gets too hot.
Be aware, power steering fluid is twice the thickness (viscous) of ATF so works better....caryards put straight hydraulic oil in them which is double viscosity again....the new owner gives it a birthday and it doesnt work properly again
Andrew

[mutilated]

The fault is there below 1500 rpm and its with the vehicle moving. I thought power steering fluid was the same as atf and its just marketed in a different bottle. being a mechanic for 15 years i have only ever put atf in power steering systems. from whats been said here it sounds like the box is leaking internally and i may have to get it rebuilt or fit a seal kit to it. thanks for the feedback guys.

[stilivn]

could it be something simple like the belt is too loose, i had this issue with my troopy.

[udm]

could it be something simple like the belt is too loose, i had this issue with my troopy.

nah , all gear driven

[80diesel4play]

Enjoyig the same issues myself. Just have to go get a reco Pwr Steer pump every 2 years or so as a C/O unit.

Gotta pull mine out tonight to take back. had the pressure hose replaced recently too - got a new box to do at the same time - will see if a cooler will help on the return line this time.

never dry steer them though - always be rolling - unless in mud!

[Surfin Alec]

Exactly what mine was doing, I also had slight leaks from both the pump and resovoir.
Just replaced my pump with a $200 reco off e-bay and its all sorted now. Its definately the pump. http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... 0367945723

I also fixed the resoivoir leak while I was there. Mine was leaking from where the top and bottom halves leak. They are crimped together. I went around the crimps with the vise for more pressure, the hammer and srcewdivered the crimps a bit tighter and stuffed some gasket silicon around the lip and left dry. Its been back together for a week and my steering is sweet and NO LEAKS!!!!! First time in owning the 80 the steering dosent leak.

[mutilated]

Thanks for the advise guys. Im goung to get seal kits for both the pump and the box and do them both at the same time. i will let you know the out come.

[dow50r]

At a minimum you will need a press for the sector shaft to pitman arm on the steering box....try to reco the pump first as its easier....buy a new shaft and bearing for it too...F.Y.I ATF is 15 centistokes viscosity, power steer fluid is 30...mineral hydraulic oil is 60....and car yards love to do tat to cars with bad steering...fixes em right up.

[mutilated]

Replaced all the seals in both the box and pump and found excessive wear in pump so need to replace it with recond one. no leaks now though