Odd steering issue query

seanlandy · Jan 15, 2020

I have been pondering an issue I have with the steering on my 90. It tends to be on full lock, more often when reversing. There is a sort of squealing noise, like the belt, but don't think it is and a sort of judder as the steering goes through its movement. Sometimes pulling away, again, usually when going to lock the same thing occurs. I just can't put my finger on it. All the ball joints and drop arm have been changed and when I jacked up the car, there is not play in any of the components, or not that I can see.
Any thoughts or check suggestions would be appreciated.

wireman · Jan 15, 2020

Is it PAS? If so check the level of your fluid and the tightness of the drive belt.

seanlandy · Jan 15, 2020

Yes and done.
I can check again just to make sure, but seemed to do that even when I put a new belt on.

Lief Zpring · Jan 15, 2020

Are your tyres rubbing on the radius arms at full lock?

Hicap phill · Jan 15, 2020

If your belt is slipping it stops the pump from working so it would feel tight/notchy

when the pump makes a squeal,if you move the steering wheel/take pressure off the direction it was moving does the noise stop?

Does this noise only happen on full lock?

seanlandy · Jan 15, 2020

I will check and see. Thanks for the thoughts. I will update when I have checked.

tottot · Jan 15, 2020

PAS steering should not be held tight on full lock, when pump starts to make noise you should back off on the wheel a tad.

jamesmartin · Jan 15, 2020

what engine, and get someone to work the steering lock to lock and watch the pump pulley

seanlandy · Jan 16, 2020

200tdi. I will have a good look at the weekend when I have daylight.

seanlandy · Jan 18, 2020

What a plonker. In the daylight things are so much easier! Belt as loose as a loose thing. A quick tighten and all seems well. Now to try and dial out some of the play. You can turn the wheel a good couple of inches either way and although the column moves, there is not corresponding movement at the steering box. Would a tweak of the box adjusting screw reduce that, or does that have a different effect.
Cheers

seanlandy · Jan 31, 2020

Right. I tweaked the screw on top of the steering box, which seemed to make no real difference. Noticed some leaking atf from top of box a few days later. Seems to be coming from the top, so where I cracked the large nut to undo the small adjuster. As a matter of interest, is there an oil seal washer under the main bolt, or can I remove and ptfe or some such? Not a fan of leaking fluids, but at least its not the seals, I don't think.

tottot · Jan 31, 2020

When adjusting the steering box it should be done with wheels straight ahead. It is important that when you turn the screw in until it makes contact inside that you then back it off a tad.
Four end joints, two column uj's, two swivel housing bearings also to check.
Also steering arm tight on splines.
No seal under the lock nut.

nobber · Jan 31, 2020

Adjusting the box will remove play with steering engaged, half lock left/right and check for play, you dont want to over do it. Basically the more you remove straight ahead will have a lot more effect on the steering when left or right.

seanlandy · Feb 1, 2020

Thanks. I know the linkages are good. It's the fluid seeping out of the top nut that seemed odd. Probably just needs tightening. I can't quite work out what would happen if I take the nut and bolt out so I can clean and then reset by adjusting to the stop and then back off. Is this possible? I don't fancy taking it off and causing a greater issue.

nobber · Feb 1, 2020

You mean screwing it right down? Dont do that.

tottot · Feb 1, 2020

You can take the lock nut right off for a clean. Remove the adjuster and fluid will escape. As you say probably just needs tightening.

seanlandy · Feb 1, 2020

Thank you. Can you adjuster come right off to or does that locate somewhere that means I should leave. I was going to have a proper look earlier, but had to do the brakes on my Mazda. The joys of older cars.

nobber · Feb 1, 2020

seanlandy said:
Thank you. Can you adjuster come right off to or does that locate somewhere that means I should leave. I was going to have a proper look earlier, but had to do the brakes on my Mazda. The joys of older cars.

From memory there is an O ring behind it, you will need to readjust the box when you put it back, from memory you test for plat at the wheel at 3/4 lock either way, I think its 10mm but its years since I did one.

tottot · Feb 1, 2020

Never taken one right out but exploded diagram shows it will.

jamesmartin · Feb 1, 2020

seanlandy said:
Thanks. I know the linkages are good. It's the fluid seeping out of the top nut that seemed odd. Probably just needs tightening. I can't quite work out what would happen if I take the nut and bolt out so I can clean and then reset by adjusting to the stop and then back off. Is this possible? I don't fancy taking it off and causing a greater issue.

nut has a stuck on nylon type seal on its underside,you cant remove the adjuster screw as its attached to the sector arm,steering box must be central before adjusting you can find that by counting turns full lock to full lock,rock input shaft whilst adjusting screw till free play is just removed, hold screw whilst you tighten the nut,are you sure theres no play in drop arm or other joint

Odd steering issue query

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