[V8] Hydraulic system problem

[NicolCS at aol.com]

I wouldn't point a finger at the rack - it's normal for the rack to apply  
full system pressure when you steer to a lock- that shouldn't lock-up the  pump. 
 In some cars a full lock will stall the engine or cause the belt to  squeal 
though.  I'm still thinking that you have a regulator fault that's  causing 
the system to have unusually high pressure or perhaps a drive-system  fault 
that's keeping the pump from doing its job. (aka "locking up)
 
It's normal to have a geyser in the reservoir - this is the return from the  
rack and MC booster.  On the systems I'm familiar with, the normal PS  
steering pressure is very low since all pump output is bypassed back to the  
reservoir.  Only when the spool valve in the PS control valve detects high  torque in 
the steering shaft is the return blocked and pressure developed on one  side 
or the other of the steering rack.  Conversely, the brake system  maintains a 
high pressure (some of which is stored in the bomb) for ready boost  when the 
brakes are applied.  Since you can make it better with relieving  the pressure 
in the brake system (at the bomb) wouldn't you want to also  consider pointing 
a finger in that direction?  
 
I'd suggest that you need to put pressure gauges on both of these systems  
before replacing any more parts.  Also, note that changes in either the  
steering or brake systems "makes things better".  What's the commonality? -  The pump 
and drive system...  Definitely time for a pressure gauge to see  if 
excessive pressure is being developed or the pressure is at or below specs  and the 
pump/drive system is the problem.
Craig Nicol
 

I'm  leaning more and more towards the rack. With the wheels in the air, and  
the system buttoned up, I am able to get the pump to turn with the motor.  As 
per manual, I turned the wheels lock to lock. Doing this causes the  pump to 
seized right away. I pulled the filter in the reservoir with the  car 
running, and notice a geyser like stream of fluid coming up from the  return 
line. Don't know if that's normal, but I thought I would mention  it


 



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