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Post by glennr on Apr 6, 2007 12:34:41 GMT
The steering has gone heavy on my car. It had a new pump fitted a year ago and new steering box! both from JRW. The fluid level is fine.New filter. I only use the car at the moment when the weather is fine, so she gets a drive once every two weeks. Can't think what the problem could be. Any advice? I have done a search and found some 'maybe's' so will have a look.
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Post by Phil Nottingham on Apr 6, 2007 13:40:30 GMT
It should not be doing this - is any power assistance being given? Obvious but is belt slipping - it has to be tight? It may be that the pressure valve in the pump has stuck
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Post by glennr on Apr 6, 2007 13:49:30 GMT
I tensioned the belt more but it actually feels worse. The power steering slightly kicks in when nearly reaching full lock but it is very hard to move. Any advice regarding the pressure valve in the pump? I have a feeling it means removing the pump? The steering deteriorated over the last two outings I made. I also noted some power fluid where the pump is, but I cannot see where it cam from. If I can't sort it she will have to go into the garage.
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Post by harvey on Apr 6, 2007 14:30:32 GMT
First thing I'd do is find out where the fluid is coming from. Wash off what's there already, get it nice and clean, then run the engine with someone moving the steering lock to lock,look to see where the fluid's coming from. If it's got a leak that needs curing before you go any further. Once the leak is fixed, if it's still heavy jack the front up (both wheels off the ground) see if it's any lighter with the load off. It doesn't have to be the PAS at fault, could be a ball joint or the idler seized.
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Post by Phil Nottingham on Apr 6, 2007 15:07:15 GMT
Given the high pressures up to 900lbs sq in on full lock even the slightest loose joint/seal will spray a lot of fluid out. The two may be connected or may not be - its easy to test whether any joint has seized, any one trackrod end can be disconnected then whichever side it is will be obvious although it does not sound likely. Unfortunately it could be either pump or box which is at fault but teh pump is always the first and easiest to look at. Is the pump actually turning - if they seize the fluid leak can make the belt slip very easily.
This is a common problem with a car that's not been used a lot - it takes time for all faults to show up.
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Post by glennr on Apr 6, 2007 18:22:56 GMT
Thank you Gentlemen. I will let you know how I get on.
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Post by johnwp5bcoupe on Apr 7, 2007 7:47:19 GMT
Give the Steering Relay (Idler) the once over Glenn
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Post by glennr on Apr 7, 2007 10:05:00 GMT
Well, I have printed off seven sheets using search. I jacked up the front but the steering was still heavy. I am sure it is not the box/pump as they are new/recon. Now to go through the list.
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Post by glennr on Apr 7, 2007 16:09:32 GMT
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Post by johnwp5bcoupe on Apr 7, 2007 16:58:16 GMT
Thats a lot of work for a new steering box but I am sure Mr Wadham will do the right thing and replace the box just think if it had siezed while you were driving it would have been a different story Forgot to add Glenn the Pump will have to be changed
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Post by harvey on Apr 7, 2007 17:21:18 GMT
If you fitted the box and pump at the same time (and both from JRW) and debris from the box has got in the fluid it's likely to have caused problems in the pump as well, so really both items should be replaced under warranty.
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Post by glennr on Apr 7, 2007 18:32:39 GMT
Thought so. Many thanks to John Boy Wallett for calling me today and running through the process of elimination . It was like a bomb disposal scenario. Do I cut the green wire or the red Anyway worse things happen in life. BTW the steering wheel is now very light ;D ;D ;)Thank you for the other contributions too.
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Post by Phil Nottingham on Apr 7, 2007 19:12:51 GMT
Bad luck - glad you have found the answer even though its should not have happened - I am getting to to the stage where things replaced years ago are going again. I will expand shortly with full details when fully sorted
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Post by glennr on Apr 8, 2007 0:02:24 GMT
I suppose this can happen from time to time as the mechanical innards are still old even though the box has been reconditioned. I may of had a box of a car that had done 200,000 miles compared to one that did 80K. Therefore the metal fatigue could of increased and so the chances of failure.
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Post by harvey on Apr 8, 2007 13:22:26 GMT
You're right, all the hard parts will be secondhand and although inspected during the overhaul things can get missed or develop faults afterwards.It's in these situations that how the supplier deals with the problem that makes the difference.If they deal with it promptly and without a fuss, even notwithstanding the fact there's been a problem, their reputation can actually be enhanced. Deal with it badly, and bad news travels like wildfire. It takes a long time to get a good reputation, but next to no time at all to get a bad one!
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Post by glennr on Apr 9, 2007 12:23:54 GMT
I have removed the pas pump. I can't remember if the pump was sent with the diamond plate that sits behind the pully held on with 4 crosshead screws and another diamond plate at the rear held on with small bolts.. Don't want to send it back with the parts I need attached. I think they have to come off.
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Post by johnwp5bcoupe on Apr 11, 2007 6:05:16 GMT
Just send the Pump Glenn, how did you get on with the replacement?
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Post by glennr on Apr 11, 2007 6:29:55 GMT
Hi John ,I haven't heard back yet. Sent two e mails on Monday. If I don't hear by today will call them.
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Post by glennr on Apr 12, 2007 7:17:36 GMT
Well, I heard from Wadhams,
"Please note that reconditioned items carry only a 6 month warranty, but our suppliers usually take a sympathetic approach"
Hopefully all will be OK as the box is 9 mths old. Has anybody known a box to fail like this??
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Post by PatMcCoy on Apr 12, 2007 8:42:58 GMT
6 months? How much was it? There must be somewhere else? Did you know about the 6 months when you bought it ? Does it say anything on the paper work? Mine at 34 years is spot on A recon at 9 months already had it?
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Post by glennr on Apr 12, 2007 13:16:40 GMT
Pat, £250 x change If you know avywhere else it would be interesting. Nothing on the paperwork on warranty but on the website it says....All new and reconditioned parts are covered by a 12 month manufacturer’s warranty unless otherwise stated. The warranty period commences from the date of invoice and not from the date of fitting. The warranty covers only the part(s) in question and does not extend to cover garage labour charges, breakdown recovery, car hire or any other consequential costs. J R Wadhams Ltd will not accept liability for any failure caused by mis-use, neglect, incorrect installation or failure of a related component. I can't see anywhere it says six months. Warranties are non-transferable and any claim must be accompanied by the original invoice as proof of purchase. Please note that any defective parts must be returned to us first and received by us before they can be exchanged. Further into the terms though it states "The seller shall repair replace or refund in full the purchase price plus carriage in accordance with clause10.3, (at the seller's option) any of the goods which are, or which become defective, in the case of all new goods (with the exception of chrome wheel nuts) within 12 months in the case of reconditioned or remanufactured goods within 6 months and in the case of second hand goods and chrome wheel nuts within 3 months from the delivery of the goods due to faulty workmanship, materials or faulty design, provided that the buyer shall have notified the seller in writing of such defect and have given the seller a reasonable opportunity to inspect the defective goods; I don't really care (unless they expect me to pay ) as long as it gets done! I will let you know how it goes.
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Post by johnwp5bcoupe on Apr 12, 2007 16:11:21 GMT
Glenn in my opinion if you sell reconditioned Steering Boxes or any reconditioned items from a "Classic Parts Specialist" they should realise it will not be doing 12000 miles average a year and take a real interest in the fact it failed after 1000 miles and fall over backwards to make it right Mr Whadam who is reccomended by lots of people and uses the Rover Mag to advertise the fact he is a Rover Specialist will do the honourable thing and with no hesitation change the units I am sure otherwise his reputation will be questioned
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Post by glennr on Apr 12, 2007 21:15:56 GMT
I am sure you are right John, on all points. If not I'll let you all know.
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Post by johnwp5bcoupe on Apr 17, 2007 8:09:20 GMT
Hi Glenn how is the under warranty going
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Post by johnwp5bcoupe on Apr 17, 2007 14:45:18 GMT
I gather by your lack of typing you are up before the Magistrate for GBH assault with a Steering Box and Pump
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