Power Steering Problems

[Slim Mat]

Hi all,

Alright here is the problem: vehicle R32 GT-R

Occasionally the HICAS light blinks on for a second or two and the steering becomes hard only while the light is on, steering goes back to normal and light goes off. Recently this has been occuring more with some instances of the light staying on consistently and blinking off for a fraction of a second, while at the same time a "knock knock knock" can be heard. The steering will pulsate with the same frequency as the knock, which is particularly noticable while turning as the steering wheel rocks back and forth.

Conditions:

Hot or cold running - P/S fluid hot or cold

Recently, under acceleration

Recently, when turning the headlights on to low or high beam

When turning-in

When going over a bump, only occasionally/hard bumps

Recently even while idling doing nothing

Any speeds

Observations:

P/S fluid is between the add and full marks, recently topped up, does not appear or smell burnt

P/S pump belt is tight with no wear marks from slipping, can not hear squealling

Can feel the knock when holding on to a hose from HICAS valve body which runs to the P/S fluid cooler lines in front of the radiator

Tyres are 265's

Really need some help on this as it is becoming dangerous. No one around here knows about these systems(HICAS), but I do suspect something more common.

[heller44]

You may have a voltage droop, the hicas is very sensitive to low volts.

Check what you are getting at the unit itself, and with the electrical system loaded.

You may need to provide a better earth and a clean of connections.

james.

ps, do the diagnostics as well. It will tell you the logged faults.

[blind_elk]

And check all the connections on the back of the alternator.