However, after two or three attempts, or somtimes a good amount of revs, it suddenly works and then is fine for the rest of the journey.. any ideas please? I have just re-greased the joints in the steering arms including the track rod ends..

I did seach, but I did not find anything really conclusive such as yeah, that's normal or ah, this is what you need to do... etc

Cheers,

Mark.

 

more than likely it is a valve that is sticking in your steering box, the first option to try would be to try and flush out the power steering system, check around with your local dealerships they should have a machine to do it that works very good. IMO i would find a dealership that uses BG products, I worked in a dealership for 10 yrs and it is the best product that I have used, there is a cleaner that goes into the system, and then the old fluid is removed and new installed. If you want to try it at home there is another idea that i have seen several people use and have it work about 50% of the time. First drain your P/S resevoir, and refill with trans fluid (since it is a high detergent fluid) reun the car for several minutes and run the steering wheel full swing at least 20 times. Then the next part can get a little tough and messy on 3rd gens remover the return line from the resevoir and cap the resevoir end. Run the return hose to a drain containder ( make sure it is held in place there is alot of pressure to make that hose fly around and spray down your engine) take off the p/s cap and have someone start the vehicle, while you continue to add p/s fluid to it to keep the level up (do not let the pump run dry) after you have run about a quart through the system shut car off and re-install line. Fill resevoir and your done!! If that doesn't work though it is time for a rebuild of the gear assy or replacement. Good Luck

 

KWIK 84 is right. I'd try the flush, then rebuild if it still gives you trouble. An old box can have a good amount of gunk in it. You may also want to install a filter.

 

Thanks for the help guys!

Well, I've just had the steering box re-sealed, so it should have been clean...

My local garage sent the steering box away to a specialist on the industrial estate (it falied the MOT test - TOO LEAKY!!) after I'd supplied them with a seal kit. The guy said it's worn in there but adjusted up ok and Morticia does steer almost like a normal car now (rack & pinion!). I'll see if the garage can check it out - after all, I'm paying 'em nearly £1500 (floor welding, priming, Hammerite, waxoyl on underside, steering column tightened, white sidelights in new headlamp units, emissions, 72 hours labour).

Oh well, she IS the only Trans Am in the village!