Stiff Steering Problem

[shay]

Hi,

I hope that someone can help me figure this problem out.

My truck is a HJ61RG with the 12HT engine ( I am based in Australia).

My power sterring works fine until I drive through deep water when it becomes very stiff and hard to turn the wheel.

I have a Tough Dog RTC Steering Damper fitted that has the helper spring - my initial thought is that the cold water is cooling the oil in the steering damper, but I am not really sure if this would cause the problem.

Any help or advice would be much appreciated.

Cheers

 

[morgan85]

one thing that could happen is the belt is getting wet and slipping on the pulley, are you getting any belt squeal after you go through water?

 

[AlexD]

Definitely the water getting on the belt, the belt slips and the power steering pump doesn't give any assistance. I wouldn't bother trying to tighten the belt, you might end up with it too tight which might then damage the bearings. Just watch out for deep water.

 

[dmjay]

Hi shay, i had the same thing happen to me, put a new belt on and give the P/S pump pulley a bit of a rough up with a sanding disk.
Mine was glazed up to a smooth surface and would just slip as soon as it was wet.
Good luck.
Dmj

1987 VX 12H-T A440F