For a while now, particularly from start up, it's as if I have no PAS, really have to work the wheel to turn.

 

I've read the various threads regarding this problem and have still to get the car up on my mate's ramp to see if it's the UJ that's sticking.

 

But here's thing, last night went out in really heavy rain to get some petrol and the steering was absolutely fine this morning. Then I recalled that when the problem first arose, it was 'cured', for a while at least, after I jet washed the car.

 

Is it possible that the rain/water acted as a lubricant?

 

All comments welcome as ever.

 

Regards

 

Ronnie

All I can say is sometimes these cars self fix!:alien:

yeah i would say it is your uj get your self some WD40 and give it a good spray.

Could be the pump or the PS solenoid on the rack. Check the connector to the solenoid, could be dirty or corroded contacts. water shouldnt make any difference lol.

 

Is your speedo working ok? Do you have a speedo convertor?

Might have a speed signal issue creating the problem, either the gearbox speed sensor or the pulse feed to the ECU from the dash.

Appreciate everyone's input, cheers!

 

Will need to get it up on the ramp and I'll check everything that's been suggested.

On a 300ZX you must use auro transmission fluid eg.Dexron"Warning"not power steering fluid I made the mistake once it caused the steering to feel heavy and notchy changed the oil then it worked OK.

i get the exact same thing, wet weather and the steering assistance comes back fully, its only halfish working when dry days, perhaps she knows that we want more feedback in dry "racy" conditions LOL

the fact that the rain water and jet washing helped points to a lubrication issue , it will not be the water that has lubricated the UJ it will be the contaminants in the rain water carried in with it ..diesel off the road , and grease from under the car . it soon dries up though and back to square one ..get some wd40 in there on a dry day and see if it helps then grease it ....

This has one mistake.

What's a UJ?

 

- - - Updated - - -

 

This has one mistake.

What's a UJ?

This has one mistake.

What's a UJ?

 

- - - Updated - - -

 

This has one mistake.

What's a UJ?

 

Im guessing a typo of uj or universal joint.

What is that? Lol

Because mine goes heavy and comes back when it feels like it

Have you checked your levels?

Yup fine.

It was light. Just got heavy. On/off it is.

No delimiter either.

What is that? Lol

Because mine goes heavy and comes back when it feels like it

 

Im on my kindle mate and i don't know how to copy links on it. Have a search on steering uj , as it does sound like that's your problem. Vodkashots had the same on his old blue one.

You don't get the hicas warning light illuminate? Go and lubricate the uj and see if it helps.

Ok Thanks

Is it an aftermarket steering wheel?

No standard.

 

I noticed this tonight though.... hicas light is on and no speed on my dash needle.

 

 

 

Don't worry about the other bright white light.

Just has no cover on it. It never has fire some reason.

its speed sensor related then.

 

HICAS/PAS uses speed sensor to give variable 'weight' to the steering, proportional to speed.

 

check connectors on the sensor off the gearbox, and or replace sensor if needed.

More likely the speedo head itself..is the mileage reader moving?

Well, I started this thread some time ago and have just sorted this problem. I was lubricating the steering coupler (called it a UJ previously but the guy who works on my car says there's two such joints (possibly higher up column). Anyway, it's been lubricated and all's well.

More likely the speedo head itself..is the mileage reader moving?

 

possibly the 'speedo head', but that wouldnt explain the HICAS light.

 

more diagnosis required to be certain.

possibly the 'speedo head', but that wouldnt explain the HICAS light.

 

more diagnosis required to be certain.

 

Hicas is dictated by speed, no speedo creates a fault in its system so it flashes up hicas fault. As the hicas cannot operate propery.

The light comes on after a period of no signal and a speed of over 15mph..trust me i`ve been there twice. The speedo unit converts the pulse generated by the sensor on the gearbox and sends it to all the relevant units including the hicas..so the head is a good bet, usually cured by total resoldering of the board. If your mileage is still counting it narrows down the culprit.

yup, lots to check. I cant see how the HICAS unit can tell if there is both no speed signal AND know when its over 15mph at the same time. That would would require more than one set of pulses surely? or both a speed signal and a logic 'yes im over 15mph' signal from the speedo amp, which i dont see. im curious myself about how this works.

 

pin outs are here:

 

http://www.300zx.co.uk/tech/manual/manual/st/069.gif