R32 GTS-t Hicas problems!!

[Bazelinez]

hey guys,

given a few of you are knowledegable about R32s I need help! My car's steering is really heavy like there's no asssistance.

It also won't readily return to centre after a turn, pretty petty but the pits picked it up...... Anyone had any similar problems?

It has a Tomei Hicas lock thing on the side of the computer but this only turns the dash light on and off so I'm guessing its been disabled mechanically. In the engine bay where the pump is there are two wires, I've reconnected one and its turned the dash light off again but still no power steering...

Anyone can help me out I'd be very greatful......

cheers!

[The Dan]

first check to make sure there is fluid in the reservoir. Then check to make sure the belt is on properly. If these are ok then the pump will need replacement.

The pump is a mechanical pump, not electrical. Even if you disable the hicas completely it still has power steering on the front. Therefore, if it's not pumping then the pump needs replacement. You'll have to do a couple of tests on it before guaranteed stuffed but I'd say that will be your problem if the belt and fluid level are ok.

[Bazelinez]

cheers dude, will I have to change the rack as well as the pump?

[The Dan]

If the rack has no leaks coming from it and there is no play in the steering arms then more than likely, no. Not much goes wrong with them.

[Bazelinez]

when I took it to peddars they said the rack was moving on its mounts? I don't have much faith in them though......

My corolla with 300K on it still steers fine so I was surprised that my 100K line had a stuffed one......

think i'll grab a pump and see how I go....

how do you test if the pump is working?

the steering is hard and won't return to centre after a turn on its own, you have to manually bring it back....

[The Dan]

If you rev the engine to about 3000 while stationary does the steering become easier or stay the same?

You won't be able to test the pump unless you can somehow check its pressure.

Did it just suddenly go like this? if so...when and what were you doing at the time?

going fast, slow round a corner when you noticed it?

Does the steering make any kind of growling noises when you turn?

Any other types of noises?

or is it just really hard to turn?

See if you can get a pump on there to check it.

Plus, how is the fluid level and the belt?

[Bazelinez]

nah I just imported the car and its been like this ever since I bought it..... The steering doesn't get any easier with revs at all........no noises or anything either.

the belts fine, they're all new cause the timing belt was done recently.

[The Dan]

yeah, the only other thing I can think of...and it's electrical....is the power steer pressure switch. which is right next to one of the pressure lines. Check that it is plugged in.

Don't know how much effect this will have but it shouldn't.

There is a way to test it. It should tell you if your pump is producing enough pressure also.

I'll just read the manual and see if I can find it...I think it's terminal 19 on ecu to ground. Should be 0v when turning. I think...be back in a sec

[Bazelinez]

where abouts in the engine bay is this switch located?

I can see the pump thingy on the drivers side near the battery?

[The Dan]

where abouts in the engine bay is this switch located?

I can see the pump thingy on the drivers side near the battery?

I think this picture worked.

[The Dan]

.

[Bazelinez]

nope, no it didn't he he

[The Dan]

.

[The Dan]

sorry, do you have an email address

if not its ok...it should be just near the oil dipstick by the look of the picture

[The Dan]

it comes off the control unit that is situated on the drivers side chassis rail.

Should be a metal box looking thing with lines going in and coming out of it. Thick lines like the size of your middle finger

[The Dan]

the plug should be grey in colour and have two wires by the look of it

[Bazelinez]

I re connected a little plug today near the dip stick today. Plugs I have found:

One I reconnected near the pump

One small female tagged to the strut tower not connected

One Big female in front of the strut tower not connected

should either of these two empties be connected?

sorry its so vague, had S13s before this, the line is throwing me

[The Dan]

it is literally no more than 5 cm's from the dipstick towards the driver(that's what the pic shows me anyway)

[The Dan]

hang on, I'll go down and have a look at mine and see if I can see the female plugs that you are talking about.

[The Dan]

it is terminal 19 on the ecu

with ignition on, test voltage between 19 and ground.

should be battery voltage when not turned and 0v when turned.