First long drive impressions

[slowpoke17]

With all the bad New England weather this past month I was finally able to take the SHO for a little drive since I bought it. Overall drove well, has incredible heat thankfully as it was around 25 degrees out. There is a clunking noise from the front end whenever I hit a bump or sewer cap etc. Sounds like something is loose like a shock. I also noticed that when I turned or gradually following a bend the wheel wanted to pulse in the opposite direction. Could that be the steering pump? Almost feels like something is slipping maybe? When idling the car has a slight hiccup every 5 or so seconds. Could they be connected with a serpentine belt issue?

 

[zoomlater]

Do you know if the power steering fluid was serviced recently. Here a thread on pulsating steering but it could be other issues as well. Try doing a search on pulsating steering.

Pulsing Power Steering | SHO Forum

Pull your codes to see if there are any stored codes.

SHO Phoenix Project (archive.org)

 

[rubydist]

The front end clunking is likely the top strut mount, as those are known to go bad fairly quickly. However, there are other possibilities as well.

The pulsing on the steering wheel in my experience is the vaps not knowing which boost level to be at, so it cycles back and forth and gives that pulsing feedback. The thread linked above talks about a bad vss (a possible cause) and about changing the fluid (likely a good idea anyway) but the rack could be bad as well. In one of my cars, I finally cut the wire so it had constant boost - even at high assist, it was easier and safer to drive than with the pulsing. If you search the forum, there is a thread that describes how to disable the variable part when its at medium boost so the steering is not too light. Its been too long for me to remember all the details off the top of my head...

 

[BaySHO Performance]

Yes, the pulsing is a worn VAPS flopping between speed settings. Typically happens around 20MPH. Here's how to delete it: http://web.archive.org/web/20040813...e=article&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0&sid=186

Consists of inserting a VAPS on/off switch in the power line to the module, driving it at 45mph and then turning the power off to keep the 40mph boost setting, even if the engine is turned off.

 

[slowpoke17]

Yes, the pulsing is a worn VAPS flopping between speed settings. Typically happens around 20MPH. Here's how to delete it: http://web.archive.org/web/20040813...e=article&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0&sid=186

Consists of inserting a VAPS on/off switch in the power line to the module, driving it at 45mph and then turning the power off to keep the 40mph boost setting, even if the engine is turned off.

Thanks for the link. I'll check it out once the warm weather comes back and I can test drive it.