KevinH

I have a '93 Z32, N/A, coupe. The steering feels 'funcky'. When you make a turn, it feels as if the power steering is activating and de-activating. Its like it 'kicks in and out'. Is this the power steering pump or in the rack and pinion system.
Appreciate your help in this matter.

emo236

Have you checked your power steering fluid level? Try little things first. Maybe just change out the fluid. Easiest way I've found is the get a Turkey Baseter (sp?) and suck out the old fluid and put it in a container. Then refill. Also just give a visual inspection of your rack. I'd think this had to do with your pump though. Check the lines, they may be partially clogged as well.

KevinH

I have checked the fluid level. When I first got this Z, I had a small leak around the rack-n-pinion seals. I put some stop leak in it, and it stopped the leak OK. This may have semi-clogged the lines though. I haven't changed out the fluid. I appreciate the idea

CanyonCarver

Intially soundz like air in the lines. With the motor idling turn the wheels all of the way in each direction and hold it at the stop for a few seconds. This will purge the air out. If you have a small leak, air will get in. You'll have to fix the leak.

emo236

The stop leak probably semi clogged something. That's why it's intermittent. Try flushing all your lines.

KevinH

How would be the best way to flush the lines. Should I disconnect the lines and then blow compressed air thru the system? Or, just drain them down at the rack-n-pinion and pour in fresh fluid?

emo236

I would bleed the lines like Canyon told you to first. (do easy things first) then if that doesn't fix the problem, then just drian the lines by the rack and then refill. Maybe pour an extra bottle through it too just to clear up any gunk. You can get a cheap bottle of power steering fluid for under $3 and might be worth it. Good luck.

CanyonCarver

Oh, BTW...... the FSM states to use ATF in the power steering system. I believe a dexron / mercron compatible fluid. Most people recommend not using "power steering" fluid, if there is actually a difference. I've always used ATF in all of my cars.

LOL.......... this is the white Z thread.

WhtFairLadyZ

well to keep with the white Z thread posting I will make a comment. I have a white slick top aswell. Anyway..I have noticied the same problem on my Z. When I intially start off the power steerin acts as if it isnt even there, and then it suddenely feels fine. I am bettin on the pump goin since I have new lines. As for the comment about the leaky rack seals..i think the Z32 was engineered with a leak there. I ve worked on a few Zs including 2 of my own and the all have that same leak comin from the same spot.

CanyonCarver

Another thing to consider, theoretically, I believe our carz have variable assist power steering, this prolly consists of some kind of pressure relief valve built somewhere into the rack. It could be crudded up and sticking, hence the on / off feeling. You could maybe pull the rack, install new bushings and seals and find that valve and clean it out.

WhtFairLadyZ

I just thought of something by u mentioning variable assisst...I forgot that I have an underdrive pulley. My pws system may not be buildin enought pressure initially since the pump isnt spinning as fast as it should.

emo236

could be possible. Try installing the OEM pulley and testing. That'll give you your answer and allow you to either fix the problem or rule it out. Good luck.

91zxtt

I didn't notice a difference with the underdrive pullies on mine.

Still, all white Z's, sort-of.

emo236

make a list of all the possibilities and order them from easiest to fix to hardest and work your way down.

Riz Z Speed

ok i'm here to break this racist thread to pieces!!
i'm interjecting some RED into this subject!!

lol j/k

I was just gonna say i think i need to flush out my PS system soon as my steering wheel keeps sticking thru turns. Doesn't wanna come back to center sometimes.

emo236

Confuzed.

CanyonCarver

RIZZZZZZ is RED.......

entropy31

and brown too. dont forget brown.

CanyonCarver

I'm brown too........ just a rather light shade....... moon tan light that is...... Sorry kevin, some of us have this bad habit.......... o/t

KevinH

We are here to have fun too! This is what it is all about, good advice from another perspective, and some fun too! <LOL>
Update on power steering issue:
I have purged the air out of the system by turing the wheel all the way to the left at an idle, then all the way to the right. I did this multiple times. This seemed to resolve the problem for a couple of days, then it seems to be coming back. There is no evidence of any leaks in the steering system, so I will have to assume that its either the PS pump going out, or a semi-clogged line. I am going to see if I can locate a PS Pump and then flush the lines when I replace it. Meantime, I will purge the air out of the system periodically. BTW - it seems to do it all the time when making a left turn only. Don't seem to have the problem with turning right, and it does it only when making a hard left turn. Think its one of the lines and not the pump?
Thanks!

CanyonCarver

FWIW: I have seen this on fuel lines........ but not on hydraulic lines..... I have seen where there are small enough leaks to let air into the system, yet the leaks are not large enough to let fluid out. Considering it seems worse when you turn left, this might lead you to a seal in the rack if the hoses don't solve the problem.