[burls]

The set up on my LJ is a vitara pump and pajero box and hilux reservoir. Sometimes when I turn the wheel it Appears like it's all working fine and other times it seems very slow and becomes hard to turn. It appears that there is not enough flow or pressure. Could it be that the pump is not big enough

[christover1]

Anything else running off the power steering belt?
Mine did exactly that when the Air Con pump stuffed up.
Belt may be past its best.

[burls]

It has the AC pump but it should not be engaged as it is just sitting there. It is a new belt and doesnt squeal. I'll have a good going over and check the pump isnt interfering.

[kenn]

Did you bleed the system when you fitted it ?

[tanshi]

yep, my vote is air bubbles

[burls]

Didnt bleed it

I thought gravity would do the work eventually. Dont even know how to bleed these, back to the books I guess

[atari4x4]

jack it up, while keeping the resi topped up, slowly turn the wheel from lock to lock to cycle the fluid around & bleed any air out.

[BlueSuzy]

Mine at first was hard, then came easy then hard etc. Hilux box, Falcon pump. all new lines. It was air and it eventually came out from going left and right on the spot for a few turns. Remember to keep topping it up, otherwise you will just get more air in the system

[burls]

Thanks

I give it a shot

I would have thought after a weekend of driving(topped up ) it would have bled itself.

[rick1970]

burls wrote:

Thanks

I give it a shot

I would have thought after a weekend of driving(topped up ) it would have bled itself.

If using the full steering lock available, yes it should have.
Check the fluid in the resivoir, bit frothy and there is still air in there. Its also possible to suck air in past a worn shaft seal in the pump or a suction hose, sometimes with no visible external oil leak.

Otherwise check for a slipping belt, or on the off chance a bit of shit in the system sticking the relief valve open. Tho 9 times outta 10 if the relief is stuck open, it will stay that way till disassembled and cleaned.

If the system is otherwise ok, but down on flow, its should only be noticeable when you try and turn the steering wheel fast.

Not sure about your system, but my Landrover will suck the resivoir dry 5 or 6 times if the system is completely empty

[christover1]

Moreys power steering conditioner can be very helpful.

[Gwagensteve]

To do what? Bleed the system?

[SierraDan]

^^ haha