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problem with speed sensitive power steering 

 

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 Post subject: problem with speed sensitive power steering
Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2009 7:39 am 
Oompa Loompa
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Location: ballina
NSW, Australia

Can anyone suggest a way to test the speed sensitive power steering on an EL ghia.
I suspect it's not cutting out the assist because it feels way too light at cruising speeds.
Is there any way of changing the amount of assist to give it more feel.
thanks guys
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 Post subject: Re: problem with speed sensitive power steering
Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2009 7:07 pm 
Getting Side Ways
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pretty sure the idea of speed sensitive steering is to reduce the 'directivity'(for lack of better word) at speed as so that you don't spear off the road at high speeds...

 

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 Post subject: Re: problem with speed sensitive power steering
Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2009 7:33 am 
Oompa Loompa
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Location: ballina
NSW, Australia

thanks low_ryda,
I know what you mean.I seem to remember my steering firming up as the speed rises,but it doesn't seem to do that now and it feels 'nervous' to drive at speed.The wiring diagram shows a solenoid connected to battery voltage on one side and the ECU on the other.I believe the ECU just modulates the voltage to the solenoid and so adjusts the assist pressure.What I am trying to find is a way to test it to prove that it isn't cutting out as I think.Anyone had this problem???
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 Post subject: Re: problem with speed sensitive power steering
Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2009 10:25 am 
Getting Side Ways
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ah ok then. as far as i know the speed sensitive part of the steering is achieved mechanically with variable ratios in the rack, the only thing the ecu has to do with the steering is bumping the revs up a bit when you hit full lock.
mayhaps suspension dramas?

 

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 Post subject: Re: problem with speed sensitive power steering
Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2009 3:45 pm 
Getting Side Ways
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I'm not sure how it operates, but it can also be said in reverse, as in, that it offers more assistance at slow speeds especially for when parking. Whether there is more to it that just the ecu idle-up i don't know, but i would think there is more to it, somehow, maybe pressure regulation blowing-off greater or lesser amounts of oil pressure.

 

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 Post subject: Re: problem with speed sensitive power steering
Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 5:24 pm 
Oompa Loompa
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Location: ballina
NSW, Australia

I have replaced/checked every bush and joint and had it aligned and new tyres too,but problem is still there and it really feels like 1970's over assisted steering.Do you guys with ghia's have this problem too?
There is the normal switch which idles up the motor as you turn the wheel,but the ghia got the extra solenoid located on the bottom of the rack which is controlled by the ECU.I don't know which way around it works though.I guess I could unplug it,but this still doesn't tell me much.What I was hoping to do was connect a volt meter to it see the voltage change as the speed rose.Any ideas?
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 Post subject: Re: problem with speed sensitive power steering
Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 5:49 pm 
Getting Side Ways
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my Ef fairmont is a early 95 model so i dont think it got the speed sensitive steering. However when i switched from manual back to auto, therefore going from a futura ECU back to the original fairmont ECU, i noticed the steering felt different..... i cant point my finger at it, but it just felt different lol

is it just me, or is their something im missing here !!
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 Post subject: Re: problem with speed sensitive power steering
Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2009 7:20 am 
Oompa Loompa
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Location: ballina
NSW, Australia

FordFairmont,
I don't think your fairmont would have had speed sensitive steering,so I have no explanation as to why your steering felt different_tyre pressures maybe?
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 Post subject: Re: problem with speed sensitive power steering
Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 4:57 pm 
Getting Side Ways
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If you disconnect it and the steering seems the same that might tell you its not working. Also trying another second hand solenoid might also tell you something. You might be right about checking for different voltages, but you might need to set that up so you can check it at different road speeds.

 

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 Post subject: Re: problem with speed sensitive power steering
Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 5:51 pm 
Oompa Loompa
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Location: ballina
NSW, Australia

yeah,I'll try dissconnecting it as I haven't looked at it from that angle before.
Many thanks
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