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V8 250 Power Steering

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Ronniet55
Posts: 51
Joined: Thu Jul 27, 2017 3:46 pm
Location: Upminster, Essex

V8 250 Power Steering

Post by Ronniet55 »

Hi, I have an issue with the steering whereas it’s heavy when I first start the car up (is this normal?) but I then experience both heavy & light (power assisted) steering whilst driving.
Can anybody point me in the right direction so as to investigate/rectify this problem?
Thanks in advance
Ron

classiclife
Classic Wise Man
Classic Wise Man
Posts: 1601
Joined: Wed Sep 05, 2018 9:55 am
Location: Ridgewood - East Sussex
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Re: V8 250 Power Steering

Post by classiclife »

Hello Ron,

The PAS should be up & running within a second or two of the car starting; if not immediately with a PAS pump in prime condition. In addition, with the system working correctly you should have assistance all the time and certainly not fluctuating.

Firstly I would check the belt tension that drives the PAS pump - if the belt is too slack the pump will generate irregular pressure. Also worth checking if it is too tight - this will not affect the pressure but it will wear the pulley bearing.

Does the belt screech when the car is on full LH or RH lock ??

If the belt tension is fine, the next check is the PAS reservoir. When was the filter last changed / when was the fluid last changed / is the fluid level just below the top of the filter element ??

Is the PAS system using the correct oil ?? !!

If all good in that department, you need to check for external leaks which you will have spotted with the car being parked overnight.

It's unlikely you have an air lock, but worth opening the bleed screw on the steering box to check. Only do this when the engine is off - if fluid emerges immediately then the system is fully primed.

Final check is the integrity of the hoses - check that there are no bulges or collapses. Any of these will cause issues - it's likely you have the original hydraulic hoses from manufacture.

Of note the PAS system is low pressure between the reservoir and the pump and extreme high pressure from the pump onwards.

Should none of the above solve the issue, then with regret the pump needs attention / overhaul.

I did consider the operational effectiveness of the relevant ball joints and linkages, but from your description it appears to be assistance related. As you will be checking the system, it will also be prudent to check the steering components as mentioned for ease of movement whilst ensuring that the necessary lubrication points are attended to.

Hopefully the above is of assistance ??

Regards.

Richard.
1968 Daimler V8-250 Saloon
DLOC East Sussex Branch Secretary
DLOC 2.5L V8 & V8-250 Registrar - https://www.dloc.org.uk/v8-250
DLOC 2024 International Rally - https://www.dloc.org.uk/rally-2024

Ronniet55
Posts: 51
Joined: Thu Jul 27, 2017 3:46 pm
Location: Upminster, Essex

Re: V8 250 Power Steering

Post by Ronniet55 »

Thanks for your comments & thoughts Richard,
Regards
Ron

tjt77
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Posts: 525
Joined: Wed Mar 23, 2016 7:01 pm

Re: V8 250 Power Steering

Post by tjt77 »

being a V8250 it will have the later marles variomaitic steering box..these trend to be fairly reliable with a 200k mile +lifespan.. as suggested above by Richard..1st thing to check is belt condition and tension.. the tensioners tend to stick up over time and need servicing on the bench when this happens.. other issue's may be related to condition of the flexible hoses..over time they start to break down and collapse internally. restricting flow of fluid within (much the same scenario as old brake hoses).. its relatively simple to check pump pressure output with a gauge.. good luck..

Ronniet55
Posts: 51
Joined: Thu Jul 27, 2017 3:46 pm
Location: Upminster, Essex

Re: V8 250 Power Steering

Post by Ronniet55 »

Hi, it seems that the pump is the problem. Can anybody recommend the place to send it to please?
Regards
Ron

classiclife
Classic Wise Man
Classic Wise Man
Posts: 1601
Joined: Wed Sep 05, 2018 9:55 am
Location: Ridgewood - East Sussex
Contact:

Re: V8 250 Power Steering

Post by classiclife »

Hello Ron,

Give this company a call - they are very good; in your county as well !!

http://propowersteering.co.uk/PowerSteering.html

Regards.

Richard.
1968 Daimler V8-250 Saloon
DLOC East Sussex Branch Secretary
DLOC 2.5L V8 & V8-250 Registrar - https://www.dloc.org.uk/v8-250
DLOC 2024 International Rally - https://www.dloc.org.uk/rally-2024

Ronniet55
Posts: 51
Joined: Thu Jul 27, 2017 3:46 pm
Location: Upminster, Essex

Re: V8 250 Power Steering

Post by Ronniet55 »

👍 thanks Richard

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