Topic: Idle Drops when turning wheel

[Desert Bob]

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?

[DodgeMudder]

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.

[st.chevrolet]

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.

[neale_rs]

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.

[Desert Bob]

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.

[Desert Bob]

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! 

[95yjman]

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..

[neale_rs]

Check along the high pressure hose from the power steering pump to the steering gear.

[Desert Bob]

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.

[Desert Bob]

New Power Steerimg Pressure Switch did not resolve this issue. I am beginning to think I have an issue with my ECM.

[garydubf]

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

[garydubf]

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?

[Desert Bob]

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.

[Sidscan]

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.

[Desert Bob]

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?