Alright, here's the first part in a two-parter: I just had some work done to the Max, as follows: Tranny rebuild, controls arms replaced, upper tie-rod ends replaced, ball joints replaced, end links replaced, new tires put on, all motor mounts replaced, subframe bushings replaced, alignment performed. Now, with all that said and done, while in neutral, if I turn the wheel left or right, the rpms spike about 100-200rpm, then settle back down.

This problem did NOT exist before the repairs were done.

So, obviously something is wrong...but wtf could it be?

I'm selling the Max very shortly, but I DON'T want to pass this off to the next owner...

 

There is a sensor on the power stearing line , above the right front strut mount, it may be bad, my car does it also but not that much in rpm. the sensor detects pressure and compensates because it puts a small load on the engine when the pump is churning/

 

Hmmm...what about the pump itself?

 

That is normal.

If it didnt do that before, thank your mechanic because he fixed it.

 

if its not noisy ide say its just normal, mine jumps around when i turn the wheel in neutrel also.

 

Maybe, but I can't accept this from a car that never had this problem until REPAIRS were performed, knowwhatImean?

 

Again, who's to say it wasn't a problem the entire time you had it, and it was fixed?

It's completely normal for the RPMs to rise when you're putting a load on the PS system.

Don't even worry about it, that's how the system is designed.

If you don't believe me:

 

dude listen to pmohr, in my experience as a watcher of the forum ... he is never wrong...

 

You'd be surprised...

 

A 100 to 200 RPM increase as described by the thread originator when the steering wheel is turned off center sounds excessive. A momentary "twitch"......yes, a "spike" as described.......no. Check that the power steering air control valve "vacuum" hose between the valve and the intake duct plenum (by the stock air filter housing) is connected. The PS air control valve is just in front of the firewall, just under the PS pressure switch by the RH strut tower. If this hose is not connected the air pulled into the intake when the steering wheel is turned is effectively a vacuum leak, and will screw up the idle.

 

Uhhh, no. While he is without doubt arguably the most knowledgable guy here, that does not mean he is always correct.

pmhor - maybe, but it spikes...it's not a small, un-noticable spike.

Samson - I'm going to see if this is the problem and take a look.

 

If you sit there and pump the breaks it does the samething. My car has been like that ever since i can remember. You shouldnt worry about it

 

normal
maybe you didnt notice it before.