Power steering glitch

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tmoretta
Posts: 193
Joined: Mon Feb 06, 2017 8:30 pm
Location: Connecticut, U.S.A.

Power steering glitch

Post by tmoretta »

I have been using my '88 M6 some now that the weather here in New England is acceptable. During winter I rebuilt the power steering pump to stop a leak. Both during last autumn and now, when I am negotiating a parking lot or in my driveway (engine at idle) the steering effort increases markedly. It temporarily feels like manual steering. Again - I did notice the problem a couple of times before I fooled with the pump. What could be causing intermitent power steering loss?
Pod
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Location: usually in the barn, Kent, England.

Re: Power steering glitch

Post by Pod »

Maybe its not generating enough pressure at low revs?
tmoretta
Posts: 193
Joined: Mon Feb 06, 2017 8:30 pm
Location: Connecticut, U.S.A.

Re: Power steering glitch

Post by tmoretta »

Anyone know if a smaller power steering pulley is available to allow the pump to generate more pressure at low RPM's?
VintageRacer
Posts: 87
Joined: Sat Jun 24, 2017 2:49 pm
Location: Waco, TX

Re: Power steering glitch

Post by VintageRacer »

It's not the pulley.

Check your inlet hose to make sure it's not collapsing under suction. Also check your regulator (the manual outlines how to pressure test the system for proper operation). You can get pressure test gauges from any hydraulic hose shop. Often just ask to borrow a setup and they may let you use them.

Also check the fluid, good, clean ATF? Your box could be bad as well.
derrith
Posts: 20
Joined: Fri Jun 07, 2013 2:12 am
Location: Bay Area, CA

Re: Power steering glitch

Post by derrith »

Check your belt tension to see if it's slipping? If possible have someone watch the belt in the engine bay as you turn from lock to lock. Especially at full lock in either direction and when the vehicle is cold.
1983 635csi
1988 M5
1991 850i
tmoretta
Posts: 193
Joined: Mon Feb 06, 2017 8:30 pm
Location: Connecticut, U.S.A.

Re: Power steering glitch

Post by tmoretta »

Some great ideas thanks.
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