Quiet PS, now noisy PS, with magnasteer system

[Backhoe]

So between me getting back from lunch in the LSS today, and getting back into the car at quitting time, something has apparently gone awry with the power steering.

At startup, no noticeable noise, only the usual slight pump whine, but after turning onto the street, a very noticeable lower pitched whine, accompanied by a bit of feedback through the steering when turning the wheel.

I haven't done anything recently on this system, it has been checked previously, and I probably will try the Lucas with a ATF flush soon, but the quick onset has me wondering if a part/bearing/seal has failed.

I was unaware the car even had magnasteer when I bought it, it seemed cool, but its always more technology to go wrong, right? It has exhibited a slight glitch, roughly every couple weeks or so, usually pulling out of a parking stall, (I back in) where the power assist seems to stop assisting at full lock, always to the right now that i think of it, for a split second. It comes right back, and there is no accompanying sound. This new development seems more serious.

I'll take a look this week-end, I'll check for leaks in the morning, and maybe bleed it tomorrow night, but my FSM is at work, wouldn't you know it, I'll get it in the AM.

[Jrs3800]

Sounds a lot like a control valve is somehow going bad...

And the car does have maganasteer? as well I think the Body Control/ Chime module actually controls the Magnasteer/ Variable Assist systems... Its possible to have issues there as well..

But if you have an FSM, you might look for a control solenoid for the system..

Could be a rack, pump or electrical problem..

[Spitzkindl]

... power assist seems to stop assisting ... for a split second ...

This was an interesting description. It's like my problem on my Bonnie 94. It happends sometimes randomly when turning at intersections at normal "town" speeds. Either right or left. Not a big problem, but sometimes takes me with a surprise.

What/where is that ... eh ... control valve? Or is my problem different?

[Backhoe]

... power assist seems to stop assisting ... for a split second ...

This was an interesting description. It's like my problem on my Bonnie 94. It happends sometimes randomly when turning at intersections at normal "town" speeds. Either right or left. Not a big problem, but sometimes takes me with a surprise.

What/where is that ... eh ... control valve? Or is my problem different?

It may be totally unrelated, but do you have the magnasteer?

I can't speak to the '94, but the '98 FSM shows the control valve assembly inside the pump body, running at a right angle to the pump drive, under the res, with the head of the valve assembly facing up, same as the top of the dipstick. It's also sprung so, yeah.

My pump noise issue seems to have been a blip, but it will go onto my growing list of stuff to do, the weather's starting to get nice, i just need my back to co-operate.

[Jrs3800]

I think the 92-95 ( maybe later if without Magnasteer ) is an on off solenoid... Below 20 Mph the power steering assist is ramped up for parking lot maneuvers... after 20 Mph the power steering assist is dropped to allow for more road feel( tighter steering )...

I think the magnasteer is far more variable and much smoother in its transition,

For the 92-95 the system is called Option T2V or Two Flow Electronic( variable assist )

A lot of this is off the top of my head, so don't quote me...LOL

[Spitzkindl]

I think the 92-95 ( maybe later if without Magnasteer ) is an on off solenoid...

So can this solenoid be faulty? I understand the 20 mph, but you would think that at a certain speed it either on or off. Now it seems like "on" (power steering) with "off" for a split second, to turn back to "on".

Can the solenoid only be exchanged, or does it come in a bigger "package"?