Hello

the steering has got fairly heavy on my LHD '97 xk8 convertible.

There is assistance but not much.

I guess some problem with the servotronic / variable assistance.

Any tips on diagonosing?

I have read removing the glovebox and getting to the servotronic module and measuring resistance between the solenoid pins that should read ~ 7.5 OHM .

Any other tips?

thanks lots!

 

First things first. Have you checked the fluid level and condition in the power steering reservoir?

 

Hey Jon - yes checked and topped up fluid level.Condition seems good, clear . thanks!

 

being the fanatic that I am... Id be looking to see WHY you lost power steering fluid.

 

Forget which fuse it is that controls the PS assist but if it blows the assist will be in full off mode, I think it's the same fuse as the AC fan.

 

Fuse # 12 / 10 amp red driver side fuse box

Door mirror heater control relay

Right cabin blower control relay

Left cabin blower control relay

power to the Air Conditioning Control Module

You can unplug these relays and modules and see if one is sucking the power down out of the steering servo other then a blown fuse .

Didn't pick the weather .

 

Thanks guys for replied.

Its got got to be an electrical problem as it manifested from one day to another just like that. Racks pumps etc would gradually degrade won't they?

one day the whole assist was off so I could barely move the steering wheel when parked. It went back to normal next day and now it seems to have settled in this half assist mode.

 

Pull out the first 3 relays and see what it does

Tap on the servo as you read resistance across the sockets of the control module and see if it bips to high .

 

 

The servo needs to be powered by the fuse in and relays noted above out for this test .

 

Not necessarily, could be an issue with the pressure relief valve in the pump, could have some contamination in the oil causing it to occasionally not seat thus reducing your oil pressure and thus the amount of assistance. PAS issues are generally 9/10 pump related as its the part with the highest wear.

 

Simple question.

Does the A/C blower work? Put the aircon on and check the blower works.
In other words switch it on then turn the same dial.

When I got my car back from recent repairs it turned out the be the plug on the steering column had not been put back in. The steering was very stiff until it plugged in again. Its accessible under the car near the CAT.



If you look up to the right of that rather rusty looking steering coupling you can just make out the un plugged switch. It has a bit of white plastic showing.

 

 

EV - 1 type connector with a metal release bar ?

 

Yep. Thats it. You pull out the D shaped wire. That releases the plug then you pull it apart. Obviously you then reconnect the plug and push the wire down to lock.

Let us know how you get on wont you?

 

On the X300 there are 2 as the trunk dome lights you can use . I would recommend soldiering a 3 foot length of wire as this would eliminate the possibility of a original wire in that area already compromised in the tight space and exposed center conductor and shorting . The release bar works by depressing toward the center , the same toward center on installation . Clean the servo socket pins with a acid brush and some bulb grease before you put together

https://www.autozone.com/fuel-delive...10803_917478_0

 

Hey guys. After festivities finally had a chance to follow some of your recommendations. Checked continuity , voltage , resistance, and couldn't find any problems so sourced a replacement servotronic module and voila. Problem resolved !!!

thanks lots.

Will open pen the old one see if I can see a burnt component and maybe I can fix and pass on to
so
ebody that may need.

 

Just a mild note... My power steering went a little wacky when I change the battery last time. I did use a power pack on the cables when replacing battery to prevent memory or electrical problems. My steering was very stiff, center line only. Had a hard time steering straight line. Driving a bit with a few start cycles and it did clear up. Rich