Power Steering Problem - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

sasksupra · 06-05-2006, 11:14 PM

Having some power steering problems with my 1984 Supra. The power assist cuts in and out as you turn right. As you turn, it gets stiff and then free, stiff and then free several times throughout the turn. Turning left doesn't seem to be a problem. I did all the normal easy checks, belts, fluid level, etc. I even drew the fluid out of the reservoir and filled with fresh fluid (fluid was a little dark). The fact that the problem only occurs when I turn right makes me believe it's something in the valves in the rack.

Any suggestions. of any other things I can try before investing in a rebuilt rack?

***bgrieger*** · 06-06-2006, 07:45 AM

Does it do this under a steady state turn, or only while you are cranking the wheel tighter? Are there any noises associated with it? If it happens only while you are actually turning the wheel itself, you might want to check the ball joints and tie rod ends to make sure they are not binding.

Doctor J · 06-06-2006, 08:37 AM

I may suspect the small diameter pressure tube that goes from conrol valve to the rack cylinderon the steering gear. It could be bent or kinked.

sasksupra · 06-06-2006, 10:45 AM

It's doing it both directions now. It does it right from the start of turning right thru the whole arc. It's a similar feeling to a bad universal joint. Could it be the universal on the steering column? There are no noises associted with it. I had someone crank it back and forth while I listened underneath and at the pump.

Doctor J · 06-07-2006, 08:18 AM

Another way to check:
Jack up the front and remove both wheels;
unlock ignition and turn the steering wheel from side to side (DO NOT start the engine);
if works OK now, then it is hydraulic cross leak.
If binding is present, check mechanical components.

sasksupra · 06-07-2006, 06:22 PM

Jacked it up last night and it appears to be mechanical. Turning with the steering wheel or turning the tire by hand (with the engin off), you can feel the resistance on and off as you turn the wheel. I checked the ball joints according to the manual but there doesn't appear to be any play in them. Is it possible that they are seized and not showing play? The tie rod ends seem tight as well. The next thing I was thinking on checking was to disconnect the tie rods and try turning the wheels to isolate the ball joints.

***bgrieger*** · 06-07-2006, 08:17 PM

That's the best plan! If it's all smooth you're only in for a tie rod end you can likely pick up at UPA/NAPA.

Doctor J · 06-09-2006, 12:41 PM

The automotive technical writer /editor L.Carley recommends to start the engine with front wheels of the ground and observe a steering wheel (it must be in straight-ahead positon).If it moves slowly by itself and wheels are turning, then the seering gear has internal leak.

sasksupra · 06-10-2006, 10:43 AM

I think I found the problem. I had my son turn the steering wheel back and forth from one extreme to the other and tell me when the tightness occured. It coincided with the same side of the universal joint on the intermidiate shaft on the steering column coming to the top. I sprayed some oil on that universal joint and it went away. It's been fine ever since. If it tightens up again I guess I'll have to replace it.

Thanks to everyone for the responses. The recommendation mentioned from automotive technical writer /editor L.Carley is a great one to remember.