Strange steering problem.

[BlueSuzy]

Suzuki Sierra. But not specific related.

Standard suzuki diffs. Vitara powersteering box and vitara pump.

No Damper.

Clean Fluid.



A week ago went to the Wattagans, i hit some mud and rock,(roperd) Fairly deep for a suzuki, and since a day after it was sort of locking the steering..The mud was watery and bit of slop on the bottom.

There is more of a delay in steering now at road speeds.. Steering also feels heavish.

Have also replaced the main steering arm from the drop arm to the diff(forgot name) Hopefully this fixes it as one of the tierods was flogged out..

If it doesnt, Would i be correct that my kingpins will be causing this? full of mud?
Or could it be a PowerSteeringbox/pump issue?

(I need her for sunday!!! ARGH!)

I've never had this problem before..

[dogbreath_48]

When my engine bay gets wet the PS pump belt slips and the steering feels like its locked up momentarily. Maybe?

[BlueSuzy]

When my engine bay gets wet the PS pump belt slips and the steering feels like its locked up momentarily. Maybe?

Good possibility. On startup i have a belt that squeals, then it goes away.

So maybe its slipping onroad. Dry, with no squeal..

I will be testing it when i go to work today. If the problem still exists, I will tension the pump up more.

Then if that doesnt work, i think the hubs are coming apart for a clean again. (did it 1mth ago)

[joeblow]

does the fluid get 'foamy'?

[BlueSuzy]

Fluid was not foamy from what i can see. Not overflowing etc.

will test it in 30mins.

[OIIIIIIIO]

PM sent.

[alien]

Check all the bushes on the draglink (although you said u replaced that) and check your wheel alignment too.

[BlueSuzy]

Jacked up the car, turned the 2 hubs together without the draglink to the box. Turns like magic.

I then lowered the car onto 2 bits of laminated wood with silicone spray between. 2 for each wheel. Wheels turn easily..

1 thing i have noticed, with the vit ps box, when i got it, i was able to push the drop arm by hand. It is now tight..With the loosening/adjusting screw loose.

I think the box if fooked.

Any other ideas?

The unijoints in the steering column/arm are not seized either. (i have 2) i have hit them with wd40/crc spray.

When i turn the steering wheel, i can feel resistance. (no draglink)

Next option is disconnect ragjoint and test the column movement. If its easy, must be the box..

(Sorry for alot of thinking out loud)

[80's_delirious]

years ago I had a car that had a little needle roller bearing at the steering wheel end of the steering column that seized up and made the steering feel fooked.

It took a while to find it after replacing nearly everything else. could be worth disconnecting the rag joint as you said to help narrow it down.