Power steering locking up

[subalex]

Power steering in my L-series has been rather tough to turn lately. Going back a month or so ago it suddenly got worse on the way up the blue mountains on a twisty bit and it shocked me. I thought perhaps the drive belt was slipping but I'd hear it. I've checked the fluid level and it's fine, no leaks. It's been an inconsistent problem for the last few weeks but now it's all the time. Today I pulled one of the boots back to have a look see and the rack looks ok so far. Any idea what would cause this guys? Do the pumps just stop working?

[keppler]

did you get sombody in the car to wiggle steering while looking to see how much play was in the rack i had simler problem couple months ago and ended up being the rack.

also changed the power steering pump when pulled apart pump housing instead of being all nice and smooth was all rippled

[subalex]

Gave the rack a full drain out and inspection and refilled with new fluid. Existing fluid wouldn't have been more than a year old but gave it a go... try the basics. Refilled with some Lucas power steering treatment and topped up with normal fluid. After turning the steering wheel lock to lock several times and working it back and forth hard in a few places it eventually came good again.

It felt like something was binding the worm gear on the way around. Anyway, all is fixed now.

I did check it for play in the rack too but there's virtually none there, hence the extra concern I had.

Cheers,
Alex

Now back to looking for some new bloomin' tyres.

[AlpineRaven]

Something came in my mind from history - Was there any unusual noises while steering in "hardest" bits? It turned out to be the rank was wearing out - replaced to another 2nd hand one and was solved.
Cheers
AP

[AlpineRaven]

unusual noises was like.. sucking vibration noises?
Cheers
AP