[xr6t]

Folks, I've got some decent shudder going on in my EA. Before you say anything, yes I have searched the forums for "steering shudder" and found a few good suggestions BUT my problem is slightly different.

Since I got the car back from having the head and gasket replaced, there is a mean shudder when moving slowly and turning 'right'. Turning left it is there ever so slighty but when turning right, either moving into a car park say or coming out of one I really have to fight it, almost like I've got brakes on the power steering.

I've checked the fluid levels, all fine, red color, no burnt oil in here. This is a brand new power steering pump, only about a year old if that.

Now, my first conclusion could be the belts since they would have had to have been removed and replaced when working on the head. If they are loose, however loose, would they squeak at all, what kind of tension would I be expecting on them?

Other than that, any other suggestions? Would it have to do with the suspension at all in the right front of the car? The car drives straight enough, no vibrations at high speeds, pretty decent actually, so if it's just the belts then I'd save some large amounts of money as I was thinking of taking it to a suspension place to make sure.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[Soxx]

It's almost certainly the belts. They are either to loose or they have a bit of oil on them.

Rick.

 

[xr6t]

It's almost certainly the belts. They are either to loose or they have a bit of oil on them.

Soxx, I'll give them a check tonight. But riddle me this, why only when turning right and not left?

Cheers and thanks again,
Steve

 

[Soxx]

At a guess, perhaps because of slightly less castor on one side.

Rick.

 

[ebxr8240]

Camber of road maybe??
Could be air in system?If there is it should clare up, but check power steering fluid levels... Kinked hoses etc

 

[not ford]

My does the same thing, I think the fluid is getting aerated. If it is putting a tranny cooler on the return line normally fixes this, alot of the saloon car guys do this.

 

[xr6t]

It's almost certainly the belts. They are either to loose or they have a bit of oil on them.

Soxx, you were spot on the money. Got home, clean the belts up ever so slightly, started the car, did a full lock both ways, smooth as silk again.

Everyones comments much appreciated,
Cheers,
Steve.

 

[eskyboi]

Never had the shudder from low fluid level.. just that nice supercharger type wine.. love it.. pity i topped up the steering fluid again coz the sound stopped!