Hey guys first post. Doing some crazy stuff in the ol commo tonight, then managed to loose powersteering. Its not making a whine/hissing noise so i dont think the pump is broken. I did hit a curb, just been out there for about 2 hours and nothing looks broken, no pipes are loose etc. It was only a small curb too. what should i try. I was looking at the auto transmission problem thread: http://forums.justcommodores.com.au...986-strange-auto-transmission-problem-vt.html Would it have anything to do with the TPS? as im pretty sure i read somewhere it changes the force when you are doing higher speeds. correct me if im wrong.
My guess is by hitting the curb you damaged the steering rack itself. The TPS has no effect on the steering and speed sensitive steering is only in the higher models, Calais, Statesman, Caprice (perhaps Berlina, I don't know)
I was thinking more like internal damage which won't be visible. The problem can only be one of two things, the pump or rack. I suppose it could also be a blocked or kinked power steering hose or pipe, but I doubt that. Since the problem occurred after you hit the curb I don't think it would be the pump. How is the fluid level?
Well im pretty sure, That it died before i hit the curb as thats what caused me to come off the roundabout. First accident actually . It also is full of fluid. Would it have anything to do with the ECU? Possibility even?
Sorry, I thought it was a result of hitting the curb. Then it possibly may be the pump. I can only suggest having it checked. The standard power steering is strictly mechanical, there are no electrics involved, so the ECU is not the problem. Is the drive belt tight and is it turning the pump when you turn the steering wheel?
I have checked underneath, everything looks all rite. Pumps fairly quite. Powersteering fluid is full. If the pump is fully dead, would it still make a whine?
were you at full lock when it happened and just pressed the accelerator to try and kick the rear end out a little? Did it feel like you had a flat tyre and it just wouldn't turn? I had this happen to me, I thought the pump went. The power steering eventually returned and haven't had a problem since. In the daylight the next day I managed to locate residue on the return hose to the reservoir. From what I can figure when I full locked and pressed the accelerator the power steering fluid pressure caused a temporary blow out on the already loose reservoir hose. It popped open and lost pressure causing the system to go "oh dear". After a while it rebuilt up the pressure, probably sorted out an air bubble and then walah! You could always have it towed to a mechanic and have the steering fluid drained and swapped. Have the engine degreased and cleaned while they're at it so any leaks are easier to spot...
the rack could be bent even internally id say take the boots off the rack and have a better look if you havent allready.
Try jacking the front of the car so both front wheels are off the ground and check that the steering can actually turn, with and without engine running to help diagnose where fault lies
