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General Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: Desert Bob on December 04, 2007, 03:25:36 PM

Title: Idle Drops when turning wheel
Post by: Desert Bob on December 04, 2007, 03:25:36 PM
I just noticed that at idle when I turn my wheel my idle drops about 200-300 RPMs or almost to the point of stalling and then rises back up to about 200 rpm above normal.  Is this normal behavior?  Could a tight belt do this or is this an early warning of an impending Steering Pump failure?
Title: Re: Idle Drops when turning wheel
Post by: DodgeMudder on December 04, 2007, 04:26:12 PM
Are you moving when you are doing this or just sitting still, if your  sitting still I would say it's normal, just the preasure needed to turn the wheels.
Title: Re: Idle Drops when turning wheel
Post by: st.chevrolet on December 05, 2007, 01:35:46 AM
When turning any vehicle with power steering it is common to have the RPM's drop a bit at idle. The drop in RPM is caused by the power steering pump having to work harder to build pressure to turn the vehicle, making the pump put more drag on the engine. Also the smaller the engine the more noticeable the drop in RPM will be, because less power means its harder for the engine to overcome the extra drag caused by the pump.
Title: Re: Idle Drops when turning wheel
Post by: neale_rs on December 05, 2007, 08:56:36 AM
There is a sensor (power stering pressure switch) that tells the computer that the power stering is being used.  The computer uses the signal to raise the idle a bit.  If it is bad it may be the source of your idle problems.
Title: Re: Idle Drops when turning wheel
Post by: Desert Bob on December 05, 2007, 11:58:14 AM
This makes sense!  When I move the wheel only 1/4 turn at ilde the engine speed reacts almost vioently.  Will order a new switch and see if that solves both of my issues.
Title: Re: Idle Drops when turning wheel
Post by: Desert Bob on December 05, 2007, 02:48:46 PM
Called the "Stealer" and they wanted $123 for this switch.  Quadratek only wanted 34.99.  Guess who got my order.  Lets hope its not back ordered as I am still waiting for my Speedometer gear.

Why cant vendors be honest and let you know at the time you place your order that the part is on back order?  My brother has been waiting 4 weeks for a speaker bar for his (mine formerly) YJ.

Rant Over!  :rant:
Title: Re: Idle Drops when turning wheel
Post by: 95yjman on December 07, 2007, 10:48:26 AM
My Jeep does this too but its when I'm in a parking lot and I'm pretty much sitting still and I need to turn the wheel. I wouldn't say that the idle drops to bad and its about to stall out but its enough that I notice it.  Where's the power steering switch located at?  I know newbie question..
Title: Re: Idle Drops when turning wheel
Post by: neale_rs on December 07, 2007, 11:18:29 AM
Check along the high pressure hose from the power steering pump to the steering gear.
Title: Re: Idle Drops when turning wheel
Post by: Desert Bob on December 07, 2007, 04:48:32 PM
I have a couple of extra oil coolers in my garage.  Would it be worth it to add one to the return line?  The PS fluid gets pretty hot.
Title: Re: Idle Drops when turning wheel
Post by: Desert Bob on December 26, 2007, 07:37:27 AM
New Power Steerimg Pressure Switch did not resolve this issue. I am beginning to think I have an issue with my ECM.
Title: Re: Idle Drops when turning wheel
Post by: garydubf on December 27, 2007, 06:58:10 AM
I have a couple of extra oil coolers in my garage.  Would it be worth it to add one to the return line?  The PS fluid gets pretty hot.
Wouldn't hurt anything!!  The biggest cause of fluid failure is heat!  I replaced all my steering fluid with a high temp amsoil as I was having problems with my fluid getting hot, aerating, and cavitating the pump.  Solved the problem
Title: Re: Idle Drops when turning wheel
Post by: garydubf on December 27, 2007, 07:00:07 AM
New Power Steerimg Pressure Switch did not resolve this issue. I am beginning to think I have an issue with my ECM.
What about the IAS?
Title: Re: Idle Drops when turning wheel
Post by: Desert Bob on December 27, 2007, 02:51:46 PM
New Power Steerimg Pressure Switch did not resolve this issue. I am beginning to think I have an issue with my ECM.
What about the IAS?

Brand spankiy new.
Title: Re: Idle Drops when turning wheel
Post by: Sidscan on December 27, 2007, 06:01:05 PM
New Power Steerimg Pressure Switch did not resolve this issue. I am beginning to think I have an issue with my ECM.
What about the IAS?

Brand spankiy new.

 Looking at all the post you have and Jeffy's recent alternator change I would be willing to bet your idle issues may rest with something not working right there.  Check your output and your belt and make sure when your putting stress on your power steering your not putting a strain on those components.
Title: Re: Idle Drops when turning wheel
Post by: Desert Bob on December 28, 2007, 11:56:46 AM
The belt does not seem to be too tight and it certainly is not very loose.  I guess it moves about 1/2" when I push down on it.  Would this be too tight?
Title: Re: Idle Drops when turning wheel
Post by: cmc1 on January 05, 2008, 04:19:41 PM
Mine was doing the same thing.But my power steering pump was going bad.I just changed the pump and dont have the problem anymore.Dont know about your pump but mine was making a horrible racket.lol
Title: Re: Idle Drops when turning wheel
Post by: Desert Bob on January 10, 2008, 01:27:13 PM
Mine was doing the same thing.But my power steering pump was going bad.I just changed the pump and dont have the problem anymore.Dont know about your pump but mine was making a horrible racket.lol

My pump seems pretty quiet.  After I change my upper radiator hose on my 540i I am going to fiddle with the belt tension this weekend to see if it makes any difference.
Title: Re: Idle Drops when turning wheel
Post by: Desert Bob on January 12, 2008, 10:08:38 PM
Belt tension was fine.  I think I am just going drive this damn thing until something breaks.