Power steering problem.

[minendrews68]

This may not be the right place for this question, if not moderators feel free to move it.

I took my Camaro out today for a little spin down the by-pass. (It now has officially 128 miles on it). Anyway, after the run down the by-pass, I was heading back home and the power steering wasn't power steering anymore. This happened once before, but I filled the reservoir up and it was fine. When I got back home, the tank was full, but still not working. Usually, by in the morning it will work fine. Does anyone have any suggestions? I hope I haven't made this clear as mud..

[salesguy01]

Most likely still have Air in the system, lift the car a little and turn the wheels lock to lock about 20 times

[David Pozzi]

The tiniest metal shaving can cause the pressure/ flow valve to stick resulting in no pressure. You have to pull the pump outlet fitting off, pull the pressure valve & spring out & clean it & the bore, stick a pencil magnet in there while you're at it. Re install & add an inline filter in the return line or it can happen again.

[minendrews68]

Thanks guys for the information. I've never had this problem before, but like they say... always a first time. Looks like I'll be busy this weekend.

[minendrews68]

David, I was reading over on Camaros.net, where a guy that had power steering that was too much power assist, and the discussion was to maybe reduce the pressure to make it feel a little less soft. Since I'm taking this pressure/flow valve out to clean it, what would you suggest to "tighten" up the steering on my setup? As far as I know everything is stock, all new (rebuilt) but nothing custom made. And by the way the pressure valve is a booger to get out. The line not quite so bad, but the valve..... Haven't got it out yet. Tight quarters and all lol....

[minendrews68]

I got the valve out this morning and was looking at the bypass hole. It didn't seem to go through from the outside of the valve to the inside. I tried to stick a .040 paper clip through it but it doesn't go through either. Is this diameter hole smaller, or filled up with trash? I just stuck the pointed end of a push pin into the bypass hole. The sharp end went through to the inside of the valve, but the larger diameter did not, I'm guessing around .015 to .020 diameter. Does this sound right?

[David Pozzi]

What I do is unbolt the pump and lay it forward so I can get at the outlet hose easier. That side hole is tiny, I don't have any specs for it. I wouldn't mess with it.
Lowering pump pressure to get more feel is not a very successful method. What controls feel is the torsion bar inside the steering box spool valve. Unless your pressure is sky - high, I don't think you will gain anything. As long as you are working on your system, do a lash take up adjustment on the box. That usually reduces slop, - won't help increase effort though.

[minendrews68]

David, thanks for all your help. I have disassembled, cleaned, replaced with new fluid. Drove the car a few miles a little while ago and things seem to be working ok for now. Ill drive it more tomorrow and see what happens.

[David Pozzi]

Good luck. An in line filter on the return line is a good idea.

[minendrews68]

got it too. I used a metal fuel line filter, is that ok? I would've never thought about that, but makes perfect sense, hope it doesn't reduce flow, but if you've done it in the past, it would have been brought up already.

[David Pozzi]

Most auto parts stores sell a power steering specific filter. Magnifine is one.Magnefine Inline Magnetic Automatic Transmission Filter 3/8" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0065LZA94/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_SMVOvbXRNTE23

[minendrews68]

Thanks David, just got back from a 45 minute run and all is well for now, I'll take your advice and opt for the filter you suggested. Do you think its ok to use the one I have for now, or do you think it would be too restrictive?

[David Pozzi]

It's going to be restrictive. The large volume of oil going through a paper element could tear it and cause the paper to go into the system. When paper elements are used in PS or hydraulic systems, they are reinforced with screen so they don't collapse. I would run it for a few days to clean out your system, but don't rev the engine very much.

[minendrews68]

Understood, Thanks for your help, I'll keep you informed..

[minendrews68]

Well, I've got about 130 miles on this since my problem. Hasn't messed up yet! I think that taking the pump apart and looking at the small screen that is inline (it was pretty clogged), cleaning it did the trick. I'm sure the filter will help in the future. David, thank you for your help!

[Rod]

The tiniest metal shaving can cause the pressure/ flow valve to stick resulting in no pressure. You have to pull the pump outlet fitting off, pull the pressure valve & spring out & clean it & the bore, stick a pencil magnet in there while you're at it. Re install & add an inline filter in the return line or it can happen again.

^^^^ what he said...I use the raybestos/magnafine power steering filter (http://magnefinefilters.com/Magnefine-3-8-Magnetic-Inline-Power-Steering-Filter-R038M-P.htm) it stands up to the heat of our sport