So i just got my 86 n/a 2 weeks ago, and i noticed that during spirited turning the steering wheel would get extremely hard to turn, i also noticed that it would do this in mild turns also. I checked the reservoir and filled to where its specified and retightened the belt also but its still there. What else could it be? This is my first fc, so this may or may not be a stupid question.

 

Have you removed all the air bubbles from your P/S system? You're going to have to have someone monitor your fluid level while someone constantly turns the wheel from lock to lock.

 

I have but i'll do it again just to make sure their all out.

 

if you do think you need another pump ill do you for one cheap

 

And if you need a rack, depending on the year/pump youve got, I can provide you with that too.

 

I didn't have time today to get the air out but if if anything ill contact you guys.

 

do you have the 3 line rack and PS pump with stepper motor ( upspec model PS ) ?
if so the PS computer takes inputs from the speedo ,, and above 25 km/h it will resort to its high speed setting
( ie, lots of assist at low speeds below 25 km/h,, and a lower level of assist above that )
if your speedo is jumpy it can make the system erratic and may make the steering heavy at low speeds,, or very light at high speeds ( if the cable or speedo fails )

first be sure the hydraulic fluid bowl is full, and air removed from the HP lines by tracking the PS fully left and right several times
( with engine running )


make sure your speedo is functioning properly ,, and then you can adjust the stepper motor grub screw to set the amount of assist above 25 kmh
to do this you have to take the cover off the stepper motor
( to observe the internal clock mech and its relationship to the grub stopper )
and if you adjust the screw clockwise , it should limit the clock mech in its anticlockwise movement
the more clockwise ( deeper ) the grub screw,, the more assist you have when in its high speed position

( note you take the cover off to be sure you dont adjust the grub screw so that the clock mech does not rotate all the way around anticlockwise )

 

I have no clue which one i have but it is the 1986 model FC, and it reacts the way you put it, Bumpstart. If possible can you post a pic on how that system looks like?

 

stepper motor and valve unit is alum and is at the top of the pump unit next to the filler point
note 2 high and 1 low pressure lines

this is standard spec in many aus and jap cars but i think GXL spec in the US

 

i have a similar problem...thanks for bringing this up

 

Thanks for the help guys.

 

And i hope that this thread helped, CALPICO