VS Statesman Power Steering

[douge]

Hi I have a 96 VS Statesman V8. I have had this car for about 2 months and when I first got it the steering was really light but has now gotten heavy. Had it at the mechanics all day yesterday and they couldn't figure out what was wrong. They put some additive in to see if that would help (have to wait and see on that one). It doesn't appear to be leaking from anywhere as it is not really using the fluid. Has anyone else had this problem? Any ideas on this would be helpful. Thanks

[hako]

You have speed sensitive steering in the Statesman (or something like that) and it has a solenoid somewhere on the steering rack that plays up and gives stiff steering - usually the cheapest fix is to instal a rack from a more common Commodore. Someone else here will know more.

[coolngroovy]

The speed sensitive steering racks are expensive to replace.
The common fix is [as above], to fit a standard p/s rack from a commondore.

I had the 17yo 'tyre technicition' at the local [cant name them] tell me my steering was dangerous because it was too light at parking speeds! LOL

I asked him if he knew anything about progressive steering racks? He didn't! LOL

[Leigh_G]

Also have had this prob started happening.. is there no way to change the solenoid?? I dont want the std power steering, I love variatronic.

edit: last time I disconnected the battery I have a feeling it corrected the problem for about 15mins of driving.. anyone know WTF is up?

[pjdm1980]

I've got the same sort of issue but it's not rock hard just normal when you park (instead of lighter), the vari system stopped working bout a year ago.
But way to expensive to fix so i'll just deal with normal steering.

[Leigh_G]

Just after posting the above, I stumbled on a solution, which is to reset the Body Control Module (BCM) Switch. Holden probably plugs something in to do it, but you can just pull your fuel pump fuse out and put it back in. easy.
See this thread for all the info:
Calais Power Steering Troubles?!?!

[NeilB]

Dont forget if you put the standard rack into a car that has had the variable steering the arm from the steering column (on the standard Steering)is longer so you you need to change that over also.