rmsc400

It just happened like 20 minutes ago.

I have a 1994 SC400.

I did a doughnut on a private property.

I only did one, and after that i was driving home and i noticed it was very hard to turn my steering wheel.

what i noticed is whenever i give some gas it's BETTER to turn the wheel.

Any ideas? I'm freaking out at the moment.

6SOARER

iTrader: (20)

Try to do a few more doughnuts, it'll probably wont help but since it effed it up and doughnuts are so cool. Might as well go all out.



















Does your P/S pump whine? Check your Power steering reservour if its full. If thats topped off right, check your steering components. Rack and pinon, etc

rmsc400

Lol. Thanks.

There's no leak, the reservour is full..

I'm gonna do a few tests tomorrow, when it's bright out.

Thanks.

vipsoarer2

iTrader: (1)

assuming u were doing doughnuts u prob had the wheel cranked almost all the way... idk how many miles u got on the car but the pump may have died on you.. get a pressure test done... or take one the line off ur rack and pinion that the PS fluid goes into and turn the wheel... if no fluid shoots out hard then ur pump is shot....

rmsc400

Thanks!!!! I'll test it out and report back!

MidloSC

iTrader: (1)

Do some doughnuts in the opposite direction, and maybe it will reverse the steering issue.

fleishelja

iTrader: (1)

LOL, you probably blew up your pump. im surprised its not making a ton of noise though

Launch1

Either that or your belt is missing

kikcaffine

iTrader: (3)

Like a boss.

rmsc400

So, after a few tests. (Still need to do a pressure test)

1. No Leak
2. No Whining from the P/S Unit.
3. Fluid is full
4. Hard to turn my steering wheel.
Edit - 5. - oh and as i accelerate, steering slightly becomes easier.

I'm guessing it's the P/S Pump?
Im gonna have to do a pressure test...

btw, whats you guys' P/S fluid color? Mine's like slightly yellow? (Kinda engine oil-ish color)

I don't know if i should change my P/S flud since i don't know what color is bad or not.

So far, i think it's the pump. :/

scottys209

Taking bet's that the pump is done for.

FYI- TWO possible reasons here.
1.) Most people full-lock their steering wheel when parking, turning, etc....and especially while trying to start a doughnut, or think they are Mr.Tokyo Drift and let the steering wheel opposite lock itself extremely hard, this is very bad for the pump and can cause damage over time, and eventually failure.
2.) Once you break traction, your motor spins up to high rpm, and most people let it bounce off the limiter, instead of controlling it with throttle, either way, your drive accessories (alternator, power steering, etc) are spinning about 2-3X higher than normal.
Couple the two together and you have a recipe for failure, especially on an older pump that may be weakened.
Doughnuts are fun, but usually it's best to either fortify your drivetrain, and add udp's, strengthened trans, lsd, and whatnot if you plan on doing that kind of stuff, or have a toy car that you don't need to drive daily to do that stuff in.

MidloSC

iTrader: (1)

Since our PS systems require Dexron III it should be red. Mine was brown before I flushed the system out. Sounds like somone down the raod put regular PS fluid in there.

rmsc400

Thanks guys! Gonna replace the pump then.

Btw, is it okay to install a used pump? or is it a nono?

6SOARER

iTrader: (20)

It'll be okay to replace it with a used one, just make sure its works.

vipsoarer2

iTrader: (1)

^^^x2 to that