New PS rack fighting left turns?

[eclipsh]

I got a new power steering rack installed a week ago and used it at an AutoX this weekend. I found out that the rack is fighting me really hard on left turns. I had to pull hard with both arms to get through tight lefts. Any idea what could be wrong?

My buddy Rick thought it might be an internal directional valve.

I'm wondering if I have some air in the lines. I looked at the shop manual's directions for bleeding the system but it talks about removing a "high tension cable" without telling me what that is.

 

[RayPeters]

It isn't air, it is either debris or a damaged/sticking shuttle vavle for the left turn. If it is a new rack, exchange it, if its used, you got unlucky. Never had much luck cleaning them out, put I'm sure it is possible.

 

[eclipsh]

I didn't see anything specifically called a "shuttle valve" in the shop manual. Is the highlighted area below where I need to clean? If so, time to drop the rack again

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[RayPeters]

Yep,
Also check your pump output relief valve for debris. I've had crap jam in there as well and then the bypass is always open and it won't pressurize the rack. But with your only on left turns I'd be looking in the rack.

Ray

 

[eclipsh]

Just an update:

It turns out I just had a worn out pump and needed to do the cut-out mod. I was just noticing the lefts more because they were at high rpms and tighter than the right turns at the AutoX. With the pump rebuild and cut out mod the steering feels better than ever. The heim joints make it feel really tight and responsive too.

 

[droppinbottom]

This is a little bit different situation but along the same lines.

I just replaced my rack this past weekend along with my pressure hose. Now that everything is back together I start the car and it feels like it is a manual rack. I looked over the chiltons about bleeding the system and from what I could gather you are supposed to get the motor to turn over a few times without starting and then turn the steering wheel a few times and repeat untill the fluid stays at a steady lvl. I disconnected my fuel pump since I did not know what the high tension cable was so that the car would not start and followed that procedure with no luck.

 

[eclipsh]

I bled my system with the car on and didn't have any issues with air in the lines.

You may have a worn out pump like I did. The rebuild kit is only $17 and takes an hour or two to install the first time.

 

[droppinbottom]

I am starting to think that it is some kind of trash in the line somehow. It seems like whan I first turn the wheel it turns easily and then it goes right away and becomes hard to turn. Wait a sec and then turn the wheels again and it is easy at first.