hard steering in high rpms..help!

[tfritz]

When driving normal there doesn't seem to be any issue but when turning back and forth in high rpms the power steering cuts out and it is very hard to steer. Just drained the ps fluid and replaced with atf. Didnt help. Next I got a new belt and tensioned it pretty good. Didnt help.

What could be the problem? Pump? Filter?

Thanks

[tfritz]

nobody?

[Nsquared97]

Don't really think I can be of much help, but how high of rpms are we talking? And does the power steering just completely cutout, or does it fade out?

[tfritz]

Well lets say about 4k rpms, first noticed this during an autocross. As the autocross progressed the issue seemed to get worse and worse. It pretty much cuts out completely and is VERY hard to turn, probably much much worse than no power steering. Also during just normal driving is seems to be a little stiffer than it should be.

[Nsquared97]

I am assuming it's not leaking? If it progressively got worse over just the course of an autoX, it would lead me to assume it isn't just the filter getting plugged up. Which pretty much leaves the pump and/or the rack as the only other components of the system to be causing you problems. Have you taken a good look at the rack? See if the boots are torn at all, or any leaks. I would check the Bentley to see if there are any sort of checks/tests you can do to figure it out without having to just throw parts/money at it.

[tfritz]

Thanks for the input. I did notice it before the auto x but wasnt terrible. There doesnt appear to be any leaks..

[tonywonder]

who needs power steering? did u change any susupension components?

[tfritz]

no suspension changes recently

[Hellabad]

Loose belt, or plugged up restrictor (in the long hose) or the filter plugged in the bottom of the reservoir?