HEAVY STEERING

martyn · Post by **martyn** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 4:38 pm

Since the temperature has dropped, for the first 1/2 mile of my drive to and from work my steering has become intermittantely heavy

. Both the pinnion valve & FDV have recently been replaced and the LHM is if anything, over full, after that first 1/2 mile it behaves perfectly. I had this problem before but it was cured with the new FDV. So what do I relpace now !!

robin hughes · Post by **robin hughes** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 7:07 pm

when mine had that fault it meant my hp pump was on its way out. i replaced it and all was fine again

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 7:40 pm

Hi, on the distribution block, on the front of the engine, above (or below can't remember) the pressure regulator, there is a small lock ring that locks a 5 or 6mm allen key drive adjustment screw. after releasing the lockring (there not tight), try screwing this inwards to increase preload on the spring and ballbearing that's behind it. This has cured at least three BX's I have worked on with intermittent heavy steering.
Then you can either leave as is, or go by the book and replace distribution block. My 16v was perfect for a large number of miles thereafter this adjustment. You can always make a note of the original setting if this proves not to be the problem.
Removing the radiator, and possibly the entire block for access is the least fiddly way.

Mike E (uk) · Post by **Mike E (uk)** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 9:16 pm

I had this exact same problem last year when it went colder,
like on Robin's, a new hp pump cured it.

Mike

tim leech · Post by **tim leech** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 10:52 pm

Mine did the same thing the other day, some citroenaerobics did the trick for me

martyn · Post by **martyn** » Sat Nov 04, 2006 3:58 pm

tim leech wrote:Mine did the same thing the other day, some citroenaerobics did the trick for me

bit difficult to do half way round a tight roundabout Tim

I did give it a little workout (lock to lock a few times) but it still caught me out a few hundred yards up the road

Looks like Xmas will be coming early for the ol' girl.

Channel Hopper · Post by **Channel Hopper** » Sat Nov 04, 2006 7:32 pm

I would first drain the whole of the system into a large pan and let it settle overnight, then pour off the top into a clean bottle, stopping when the remains start changing from a pure green colour.

Pour the cleaner stuff into the tank and top up, and perform aerobatics a few times to get it into the whole system.

The HP pump may be the issue, but this will at least empty the steering system from contaminated old fluid, which causes intermittent heavy steering (usually from recovery after braking into a tight corner). The HP pump will work for a few months yet.

martyn · Post by **martyn** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 1:12 pm

CH as I understand it the steering circuit isn't a closed loop, but is constantly being refreshed with fluid from the reservoir so it shouldn't accumulate stale fluid as the braking circuit does.
If I'm wrong can somebody please say as I thought I'd just about figured out the hydraulic thing

thanuttiscotsman · Post by **thanuttiscotsman** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 1:50 pm

martyn from what i would think it is not a closed loop as the steering going lock to lock continually draws more fluid. hence if you run engine and go lock to lock lots of times then push the brake once the back end dips right down. im not a million per cent sure but someone will confirm.

cheers rossco

Simran · Post by **Simran** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 6:02 pm

My 4x4 used to get heavy steering after braking very hard and activating the abs, and would take a few revs to regain pressure. My new 16v doesnt get up on first start and after turning the wheel a few times decides to lift, mid driving red stop light comes on and a shake of the steering wheel turns it off, Dont know what to blame?

tim leech · Post by **tim leech** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 8:58 pm

Stupid question probably have u checked the LHM level?

Simran · Post by **Simran** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 9:14 pm

really full!

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 12:44 am

YES, HYDRAULIC FLUID IS CONSTANTLY FLOWING THROUGH THE POWER STEERING CIRCUIT. Sorry about CAPs, therefore fluid does not stagnate in this area. Rear brakes are supplied by rear suspension pressure only.....

ollie · Post by **ollie** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 10:55 pm

Before condemming HP pumps was your FD new or recon?

HP pumps either go noisy or are slow to prime or take ages to lift car, turn off light etc.
If all else is fast and smooth, prob still Diverter.
Mines been doing this for years and is getting worse, prob is its got a new HP pump and has fantastic Hydraulics in all other ways.
99.9 % of PAS faults stem from sh*t in the Diverter block.
The adjustment is well worth trying, either its wrong from the recon place or it will dislodge some crud!! maybe try Hydraflush?

PS don't reuse fluid after draining - if its got sludge in or is older than a year just change it!! and put the disc back in the bottom of the barrel along with both filters, its amazing how many dont have them or have holes in

Channel Hopper · Post by **Channel Hopper** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 11:05 pm

martyn wrote:CH as I understand it the steering circuit isn't a closed loop, but is constantly being refreshed with fluid from the reservoir so it shouldn't accumulate stale fluid as the braking circuit does.

Never said it was, but if the fluid has been doing the rounds for years, then the oxidation and breakup of internal piping has also been building up.

The idea of drainiage and settling out leaves relatively fresh stuff to throw back in (as LHM is not hygroscopic then leaving it in a pan overnight does not do any harm).
And as I am a tight wad, I would prefer to replace a couple of tablespoons of the stuff as opposed to 3 + litres

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HEAVY STEERING

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