Variable assist power steering (1 Viewer)

[chapel gate]

Should the normal steering box be 1 finger steering? Mines no where near that.. and we know how things get gradually worse that you dont notice how bad they are..

how good can it actually be?

 

[danakittilsen]

Should the normal steering box be 1 finger steering? Mines no where near that.. and we know how things get gradually worse that you dont notice how bad they are..

how good can it actually be?

For the past year, it required everything I had to turn my wheels with two hands. I didn't even touch the steering box. I cleaned my variable assist valve, and rebuild my power steering pump. And now, yeah, I can turn my wheels with 1 finger. Do yourself a favour, even if you aren't quite at zero power steering like I was, just do a refresh. Pulling both the Variable Assist Valve Solenoid and the Power Steering Pump aren't much more than a couple bolts, for each.

 

[asutherland]

I can now turn my wheel with a finger or two in the parking lots. I frequent grocery stores and coffee shops a lot in my built 80

Occasionally I need one hand to turn it, usually only when completely still though. I'm running 35s in Mt variety.

Compared to before its night and day difference. My wife didn't used to be able to daily my cruiser because she physically couldn't turn the wheels while doing low/no speeds in parking lots.

 

[danakittilsen]

I can now turn my wheel with a finger or two in the parking lots. I frequent grocery stores and coffee shops a lot in my built 80

Occasionally I need one hand to turn it, usually only when completely still though. I'm running 35s in Mt variety.

Compared to before its night and day difference. My wife didn't used to be able to daily my cruiser because she physically couldn't turn the wheels while doing low/no speeds in parking lots.

yeah, this. same experience.
I was even having some trouble, mostly very armstrong feedback, on FSR switch backs.
Which can be fairly scary when your wheel jerks toward the precipice.

I figured the easy one hand operation will be invaluable in narrow european streets this year.

 

[OceanCable]

Great write up on this, never paid much attention to the steering on my truck but I suspect it could use some attention. I too have the PPS steering. I've got the IP out and the better part of the engine bay gutted permitting easy access to everything. Time for yet another aspect of my truck to get some love... where/when do you stop!!

Is there any chance that the some of the problems related to the wear in the system are due to fluid temps... I wonder if anyone runs a small cooler on their return line...? Apparently when wheeling/big tires can add a bit of strain the the system and heat up the fluid quite a bit.

 

[asutherland]

@OceanCable, I did just that. Found one for cheap from a Toyota corolla, put it up front and ran in line after the factory in - rad one. I no longer get fluid coming out my reservoir.

Not sure if it helps with steering, it can only help though really. Cooler fluid for PS is always good. Especially like you said running big tires on hot days in tight wheeling conditions.

I did make a thread here somewhere on it.

 

[loucaojr]

Hi,

Finally some more tips for my steering! I think my steering has never been as it should. Should be better assisted and some times it seems it loses assistance.

So... To clean the solenoid what kind of fluid should I use? WD40?

It's worth a try since the price for the solenoid on Toyodiy is around 750€ + tax...

Cheers

 

[CappiD]

Hi,

Any suggestions on what penetrating fluid to use for soaking the solenoid?
Does anyone know where and what price the solenoid goes for ?

 

[Aracnatd]

My 93 has variable assist power steering. Or maybe an idle up system. Does anyone have a manual with the details of this system? I would like to know how it works, how it affects steering, and what the resistance on the valve/sender on the box should be at while off, running, turning etc.

Nothing in the 96 USDM chassis manual, the EWD, or my 1992 HDJ81 manual. Searched here and the 80 series section and found nada.

thanks!
Andrew

Hey mate could you get a picture for me where the wires from the power assist plug into the loom? Mine are damaged and would like to re connect

 

[Dave 2000]

Variable is on all European VX's AFAIK.

The steering is very heavy when stationary at idle or even with higher revolutions when the valve sticks, flush with fresh fluid job done, never seen one fail that did not recover.

There is a somewhat rudimentary cooler on the stock HDJ 80, the fluid pipes are held tight against the front crossmember and loop left to right and back again.

Regards

Dave

 

[asutherland]

I can, but it'll be a while as my truck is not available at the moment

Hey mate could you get a picture for me where the wires from the power assist plug into the loom? Mine are damaged and would like to re connect

 

[Dave 2000]

I took a quick pic today whilst running some tests before inspection next week.

The cable runs from steering box, under air cleaner, it is the small plug at the top of the picture and connects to the loom right at the junction inner fender/air cleaner/battery box.

Regards

Dave

 

[Aracnatd]

I took a quick pic today whilst running some tests before inspection next week.

View attachment 1744704

The cable runs from steering box, under air cleaner, it is the small plug at the top of the picture and connects to the loom right at the junction inner fender/air cleaner/battery box.

Regards

Dave

Cheers mate found it! Now to reinstate it.

 

[Grevis]

Is someone able to post up the resistance check for the solenoid please? the link provided is not working.
My steering is also heavy, having just rebuilt my steer box and pump I suspect the solenoid is at fault as mentioned here

 

[CappiD]

That's good to know! I have an extra non functioning box sitting under my work bench in the shop if anyone needs any bits off it.

Hey is the variable assisted box still available ?

 

[CappiD]

Does anyone have a link to a Power steering pump rebuild kit for an HDJ81V ?

 

[asutherland]

Hey is the variable assisted box still available ?

I believe I still have it, though I'm not sure what repairs it needs. Is yours RHD too?

 

[CappiD]

I believe I still have it, though I'm not sure what repairs it needs. Is yours RHD too?

Hi, yes mine is RHD

 

[Madcrix12]

a guide to clean and service solenoid. gonna do mine weekend

 

[bjowett]

The early 90’s Camry/ES300 and the SC400 have hydraulic cooling fans that use similar looking solenoids that mount to the PS pump. Those solenoids are out of production, but used PS pumps from the Camry are easy to find. Perhaps the solenoid, or parts from it, are compatible, should someone have a unit that needs more than cleaning.