Power Steering

[PIT-STOP]

Hi,
I couldn't help but notice that my power steering has worked much better during the recent cold spell in my area of the world. Now things have warmed up a little it isn't so good any more.
Just curious as to why this is. Anyone any ideas please?

[Specky]

The first port of call is to change, flush and bleed the PAS oil.

There are a few reasons to do this, but the main reson is..... people just don't change it.

The resovoir is open to amosphere and thus lets in moisture, because our hydraulic oil is hydroscopic it becomes compressible...etc

the down side,

Steering seems odd in the winter, it gives you that feeling of "is it working or not", later in the day all seems fine, a few days later it's back again.

Eventually premature failure of the internal pump and steering rack seals.

TTFN

[PIT-STOP]

Thanks. I had a refurbished rack fitted last year, so the oil was replaced then. Correct oil, and rack with new seals. Could the effect of the thicker cold oil point to a pump issue I'm wondering??? Can the pump be checked and adjusted by an amateur???

[Specky]

The amminent low temperature will have a very limited effect on the oil, because in the greater scheme of things it's not that cold and soon warms up to it's operating temperature.

There's nothing you can do as a laymen to check out a pump.

when the steering rack was overhaulled did you replace the steering column UJ's and bearing?

Sadly the only real option for the novice is to replace pump and see if the issues are resolved, a comparrision check of sorts.

TTFN

[PIT-STOP]

No. Sounds like a summer job! I was planning an a full suspension change so I'll add these to the list. Still a bit puzzled as to why the temp makes a difference though, even if my heavier steering is down to bearings and UJ. Will have to get that pump checked out too by the sounds of it. In the mean time its good arm exercise!!!
Thanks for the advice.

[GoM100Go]

When I first got my Élan the steering wheel was loud, rough and very noisy. It sounded like death... Well that was a couple weeks ago. I emptied out the power steering fluid tank and filled it with this stuff. Now it reminds me on my Range Rovers steering. Silky Smooth and quiet, even at full turn. I recommend it everyone out there with steering issues. It's a start.

http://www.barsproducts.com/1600.htm

[rip]

I emptied out the power steering fluid tank and filled it with this stuff. Now it reminds me on my Range Rovers steering. Silky Smooth and quiet, even at full turn.

You mean you've killed your pet python?