mx5cartalk.com

Hi all,
My power steering is getting very heavy some times during todays motorkana. Seems to happen when i have been steering rapidly.

Has happened while in motion, while breaking and even standing (after coming unstuck). After a few seconds it recovers to normal.

it is spitting a little power steering fluid from the dipstick as well. Plenty of fluid in there though. Could it be that the pump isnt up to the hard cornering in quick succession going from lock to lock?

Does any one have info or suggestions?

Cheers

1996 BRG NA8

Install an oil cooler.

the fluid might just be overheating and boiling.

That would cause it to spew out the top, and to get heavy (aerated boiling fluid is a lot less dense than normal, so would be minimal power assist)



I'd first off try replacing the fluid, might be ancient and crap. I did a season of Motorkhana a couple of years ago and never had any issues with the power steering overheating. That was both bitumen and grass motorkhanas.

NitroDann wrote:Install an oil cooler.

Shoudnt need a Power steering cooler for 'Khana.
Runs are like 40seconds max, and I've never seen or heard of an MX5 (or any other cars) overheating the fluid before.


i;d be thinking the fluid's beyond flocked (boiling lower) or there's a restriction somewhere (kinked line?) causing reduced flow and more heat buildup (maybe?)

I had assumed that it had been maintained.

I guess the forum should have a "If you havnt maintained it do that before asking the question" kind of vibe, but that seems like common sense to me.

You are absolutely right however, check it visually and flush and swap for fresh fluid if that hasnt already been done.

NitroDann wrote:I had assumed that it had been maintained.

I guess the forum should have a "If you havnt maintained it do that before asking the question" kind of vibe, but that seems like common sense to me.

You're talking about a forum that in the past has had threads on "one of my headlights stopped working, what could it be" only to after 3 weeks of the guy asking, whinging etc to say "took it my mechanic,, he put a new globe in and its fine now"

Sorry but I agree with Dan. People need to help themselves (with common sense) before asking for forum help. Common sense say check the fluid first before going down other avenues. But even then, old fluid should cause overheating. Unless it is the original fluid from 1996?

did know MX5s had dipsticks for power steering fluid?

i'd be more inclined to lean towards slipping belt than fluid issue.

The 11 year old original fluid boiled in my car the first time I put it on a track (Winton, which is pretty curvy). Changed it to Redline and no problems in 8 years since.

My NBB does motorkhanas all the time including 2 drivers and a head to head shoot out with no issues. Fluid is changed along guidelines. Look for the simple things first, fluid, belt etc.

NitroDann wrote:I guess the forum should have a "If you havnt maintained it do that before asking the question" kind of vibe

Yeah, initial baseline service & regular maintenance would prevent most problems.

Mine boiled regularly on track. Fitted a cooler and all was well.

Did a bunch of kahans and started boiling it again. Bought not the cheapest fluid and it's been fine on all but the hottest of days.

Thanks for some helpful info there. I will replace the fluid and see if that helps.

But it does look to be fresh and the car does have full service history and every thing has been done on time or before.

Im definitely no mechanic. Just looking for some educated help

1996 BRG NA8

I did ask a couple of guys at the khana and they didnt know what would cause cause it, and thats its not uncommon.

As far as helping myself - im no mechanic im new to motorsports, i keep a well maintained mx5, i spoke to guys about it yesterday.

Whats the point of an mx5 enthusiast forum if its taboo to ask to pull some knowledge from the group?

1996 BRG NA8

Questions asked without common sense get old after you have been a member for more than a few weeks.

You've got to remember that the knowledgeable guys are only here answering questions in many cases. Its basically volunteer work, not much fun to feel taken for granted.

Are you referring to this topic or in general?

I checked the fluid, the car is maintained well, i asked people at the khana about it.

When is it acceptable to post a question?


1996 BRG NA8