Power steering failure ?

[Noisey]

Has anybody else here ever had any kind of failure with their power steering. On a couple of occassions now the steering on the Jabber has just gone "drop dead heavy".

I have changed the belt as it was slipping a little with the front locker engaged and checked the fluid levels and all looks OK. Went to drive out the garage tonight and she would not turn (in 2wd). I'm going to bleed the system tomorrow to see if it's a air pocket somewhere but apart from that it's got me knackered.

It usually occurs offroad and feels as though I am running two totally flat front tyres. There is no noise to give me any clues but a small "pulsing" can be felt through the steering when it happens. Have checked the steering components for "fouling" but once again all looks good.

Thoughts.

Experience.

Any one ??

[Bitsamissin]

Blair, that is very weird.
Haven't had any drama's with mine and have never heard it pop the relief with the 35"s and front locker while trying to turn.
Even on Trail Talk virtually no issues with these even on high mieage Gen 1 trucks that have been flogged.
Usually they will do a seal and piss oil everywhere or the worm drive just wears out requiring a rebuild or c/o.
You can try bleeding it I think they have a bleed nipple on the pump from memory along with a breather.
Is the pump remaining quiet when this heavy steering thing happens ?
If it is it could be something in the steering shaft itself, uni catching on something perhaps ?
Let us know what you find mate.

[fool_injected]

Is it happening during suspension compression?
Is it happening through full lock to lock?
Maybe with the lift and 35s you have induced some sort of suspension bind
Or something could be rubbing like the sway bar your other post
Bleeding the system soulds like a good idea as an air lock may have developed

[Noisey]

OK - I think I know what the problem is

With the extended sway bar links it appears that the tie rod ends are "mounting" the sway bar at full lock (or near to full lock) and the adjustment nut is catching and not allowing the steering to recentre (at normal ride height). Under full compression the bar is hitting the pitman nut and steering shaft (see my other post).

Now unless the LWB runs a different shaped bar to the SWB which on memory was not the case when I removed my original swaybar a 2 inch B/L and a 2 inch S/L does not equate to a 2 inch link extension. I will check out some other shorties on the weekend to see if there is a difference and maybe look ito changing the link mount to some type of swivel and putting the standard height links back on.

Frank - this maybe what was causing the tie rods on your POS to bust before you did the SAS. It's coming into contact exactly where they were breaking and with the added flex gained by your sway bar disconnect and the weight of the JT's I bet there was some contact happening ?? You don't care now though cause you got SAS

[RoldIT]

You'd think the designer would have thought of that. Take the links back to the manufacturer and complain.

[Noisey]

If I complain I probably won't get a Christmas present.

Come to think of it "the old boy" probably made them that way so I would run into a tree. Check yours aswell then 'cause I'm pretty sure he likes you even less then he like me.

[RoldIT]

If I complain I probably won't get a Christmas present.

Come to think of it "the old boy" probably made them that way so I would run into a tree. Check yours aswell then 'cause I'm pretty sure he likes you even less then he like me.

Don't bet on that!!!


Anyway, back on topic ...

[Noisey]

OK - all issues have been overcome.

Put the old sway bar extensions back on but lifted them by an inch with the aid of some washers - problem fixed.

The "pulsing" in the steering was due to a bolt missing from the steering pump bracket to motor. It's a little bit hidden but a big THANKS goes out to the guys who put my motor back in and decided the car was far too heavy so left off bits and pieces here and there.

All good for the time being.