on 4/17/02 8:41, Runnion, Ed at Ed_Runnion@regionofdoom.com wrote:
> OK, I think I wasn't clear :^)
>
> The "leak" will NOT be an "external" leak. You won't see any fluid leaking
> from the rack, and the fluid level won't change. Rather, it will be INSIDE
> the steering rack, allowing fluid to flow between chambers inside the rack.
>
> Moving the wheel lock-to-lock will not affect anything.
>
> And with this issue, you will still have just fine power steering assist.
> What happens though is that when the rack is cold, it will "pull" to one
> side as the fluid leak inside the rack causes the rack itself to "move" when
> it shouldn't. The rack heats up, the seals start sealing much better,
> and the effect gets less (or disappears completely).
>
> Of course, check the "easier" things first like tires and dragging brake
> calipers, but your diagnosis so far has done nothing to "rule out" this as
> the problem.
>
> Ed Runnion Santa Clara CA
> mailto:Ed_Runnion@RegionOfDoom.com
> 96 Chevy Impala SS, ESP #984
> 02 Subaru WRX SportWagon, DS #984
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Michael R. Clements [mailto:mrclem@telocity.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, April 17, 2002 7:48 AM
> To: Runnion, Ed; ba-autox@autox.team.net
> Cc: mrclem@telocity.com
> Subject: RE: Pull to Left
>
>
> The power steering works just fine, does not leak, and the fluid is at the
> correct level. I tried pulling over and moving the steering wheel lock to
> lock
> a couple of times, but it did not affect the problem.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Runnion, Ed [mailto:Ed_Runnion@RegionOfDoom.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2002 13:56
> To: 'ba-autox@autox.team.net'
> Cc: 'mrclem@telocity.com'
> Subject: Pull to Left
>
>
>> Car pulls to the left when driving. Has never done this before, was fine
>> in the morning, parked for about 3 hours, was doing it when I started it
>> up and drove away. Was not hit by anything, nor was it tampered with
>
>> The pull happens only when cold. After about 5 miles of driving, the
>> left pull is greatly reduced as to be barely detectable -- but still
>> there.
>
> I think this last sentence is key : it happens when cold.
>
> Does the car have power steering? If so, this points to issues in the PS
> rack. Namely, leaking internal seals. Once the leaking seals heat up,
> they "seal" better and the mysterious pull goes away.
>
> Some of the GM cars in the 80's were famous for doing this.
>
> Ed Runnion Santa Clara CA
> mailto:Ed_Runnion@RegionOfDoom.com
> 96 Chevy Impala SS, ESP #984
> 02 Subaru WRX SportWagon, DS #984
Ed, does the rack need to heat or just the fluid( yes I realize there will
be transference of heat from the fluid ) for the seal to expand
sufficiently? I am thinking that repeat trips to the stops; assures both
sides are fluid filled; puts the pump into bypass which is restrictive and
thus heats the fluid at an accelerated rate.(old high altitude trick to
reduce leaking of hydraulic fluid when REALLY cold seals didn't.)
MJ
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