Steering gremlins !!

[genius]

I've struck a small problem.....tonight on start up I encountered some really heavy steering ....kind of like the power steering hadn't kicked in ! This has been happening for a couple of weeks off & on but today it was far worse.

I haven't bothered getting under (or into) the car at the moment because it's too late to kick-off major surgery tonight...

Anyone got a suggestion before I start pulling the thing apart ?!!

Also, I remember on one of the recent threads someone mentioned they were looking into a Tar-Ox quick rack, can anyone direct me to a supplier, just in case I need a need one !!! ! (be rude not to really! !)

Cheers

[CrowBar]

Straight away I would suggest a power-steering belt that is slipping. Check the tension on all of the belts and make sure the pump is actually spinning.

-CB

[CrowBar]

Also -

You really only need an entire rack when your current one is leaking. If you have no leaks, bank on a bad pump or slipping belt. These systems are VERY simple....not much else it can be.

-CB

[genius]

CB..

...Sorry....it was a pretty poor description of what is happening...I've worked a couple of thousand hours last week and I'm still pretty wacked !!

On start-up I've been encountering REALLY HEAVY steering ...after a short while at idle the power steering comes back. (the time is shortened by a couple of blips of the throttle)....I was thinking a leak someshere as the delay may be the fluid pressure to building up.

Thanks for the suggestions...I'l be looking at it today.

[CrowBar]

The blips on the throttle are steering me back toward a slipping belt....sorry to be so meniacal, but this system is so simple....focus on GRIP with the PS PULLEY, then focus on bad pump. Rack is prolly ok.

-CB

[genius]

Thanks for the pointers !!

I've been under the car this morning and there are leaks...I've got the standard Alfa oil & water leaks and some other unidentifiable icky stuff ...but no hydraulic fluid ! Also on start up, with the bonet up (and in the garage) I can hear the faint squeel of a slipping belt which I couldn't hear before...at least not with the exhaust I've got !!

It's amazing how a lack of sleep can affect the thought process !!

Cheers

[CrowBar]

I'll bet you a pint that squeal is the belt slippin'
-CB

[genius]

I think I'll be buyin' you a pint !!

PS: You from the other side of the Atlantic by any chance ?

[eminence]

Looks like he's from Salem, Oregan. Thats going by his Location in his profile

Simon

[CrowBar]

Used to live in Oregon, now live in Georgia (Atlanta)... I am too lazy to change my profile

Really, keep me updated as to what is causing the PS trouble....I'm always curious and trying to learn more...

--CB

[genius]

Just that betting "a pint" is a very English term...

...And yes Simon ....I am a POM !!!!

[eminence]

Don't worry mate. I am Australian born, but I have dual citizenship with a UK passport. My mother was English so that just about makes me a pomme bugger in Australian eyes!

Simon

[CrowBar]

Ahh yes......figure of speech gathered from some friends of mine who are indeed from GB....I think it sounds cool...hehhehee.

But, no, I am a Yank true and through...sorry

--CB

[genius]

I thought it sounded familiar..

No apologies necessary.....

I live 12,000 miles from home but I'm still VERY English !!! !!

[CrowBar]

Can I ask....where abouts?

--CB