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Power steering failure 200

posted by  impster on  Tue May 3 23:54 CST 2005
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last visit: Wed Feb 22 18:10 CST 2012
[RELATED]

Since purchasing my '85 DL wagon two years ago, I have thought that the power steering was not performing as it should. My suspicions were confirmed about a month ago when the power steering began to become progressively worse. Up until then, the degradtion of the power steering had been gradual and therefore, not readily noticeable. It is now to the point where I'm going to have arms like Popeye if I don't repair it quickly. The car drives as though someone had removed the power steering pump belt.

A quick inspection has shown that the belt is properly tensioned, and the pump merrily spinning. I have yet to perform an exhaustive analysis by disconecting the hoses at the steering rack to confirm whether it is the pump, hoses, or rack that have failed. But given the car's age, I am assuming that all three components need to be replaced and therefore, have started purchasing parts as I can afford them - a rebuilt pump is already on the way.

Has anyone else experienced a power steering failure such as mine? Or is there a steering component that typically fails on cars of this vintage? Just curious...

Tony Fontaine








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    Just a wild guess....... 200

    posted by  B.C. on  Wed May 4 16:47 CST 2005
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    last visit: Wed Mar 28 22:28 CST 2012
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    but..

    There is a little tube on the outside of the power steering rack that, I understand, allows fluid to flow from the non-powered side of a piston to the other side, or something like that.

    Anyway, what if that tube is crushed flat by road debris kicking up? Or has become disconnected?

    It's surely worth a look before putting in any $$$. Takes gettng under and dropping the gravel shield. Look on the right side end of the rack.

    Good Luck,

    Bb

    :>)








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    Power steering failure 200

    posted by  eusmlle1 on  Wed May 4 01:18 CST 2005
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    Maybe an obvious response, but is the fluid level okay in the pump reservoir? Have you noticed any fluid leaks around the rack boots? A progressive loss of PS fluid would cause the symptoms you are experiencing. Leaking steering racks often occur in cars that old.


    Mike








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      Power steering failure 200

      posted by  impster on  Wed May 4 03:56 CST 2005
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      last visit: Wed Feb 22 18:10 CST 2012
      [RELATED]

      Thanks for pointing that out. But yes, all the usual suspects have been checked - fluid, belt tension, leaks, etc.

      It is clearly a case of something internal in either the pump, hoses, or rack. I suspect the seals inside the rack have failed but I'm replacing the pump first (start out with the least expensive item, then work my way up).







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