Power steering hard to turn left only

[currdoggNY]

I recently took a small trip to Scranton, NY to do some school shopping for the kids and pulled into the parking garage. No issues on the trip. When I went to leave, I could turn left, but it felt like I had no power steering turning right. I could hear a hydrolic sound coming from either the front driver's tire or behind the steering column. I recently replaced the bearing on the passenger side, if that might be of concern. What do you think might be causing this? I checked the fluid and it was at the "add" line, so I did (Lucas w/ stop leak). Couldn't get it to loosen up. I've heard vapor lock, rack and pinion and tie rods thus far. Hoping for an easy fix before taking it to the mechanic. Did a visual inspection behind tires, but looked fine (not that I know what I'm looking for). Anything you guys can throw out there for me I'd appreciate.

[gmtech1]

Usually, if you have power assist one way and not the other, it's a steering gear problem. The pump does'nt care what way you are turning. You did not state what you are driving, I assume its a newer style trailblazer. I've never seen one of these "vapor lock". They can pull in air from leaking seals, this will cause an whining noise, but not assist one way only. Also I have not seen a tie rod cause this. It sounds to me like a p/s gear issue.

[currdoggNY]

Sorry. 2003 TB LT 4wd 4.2 L

[maxwedge]

Usually caused by a bad p/s rack assy, as long as nothing locked up in the steering linkage.

[uglydave]

just had r&p replaced,3 months ago.about a month ago stated to notice diffulculty in turning right,about a week ago its been a stuggle turning wheel right . i been told that it could now be the steering gear,the pump flow control valve or just some lube on steering control...any suggestions before it go's back in would be appreciated.thanks

[gmtech1]

Not going to be anything that need "lubed". Have had alot of problems recently with rebuilt steering gears(rack and pinions). Have had to replace two or more to get a good one. If the replacement gear was not a NEW one(which are very pricey)I would bet the gear needs replacement again.

[uglydave]

Originally Posted by gmtech1

Not going to be anything that need "lubed". Have had alot of problems recently with rebuilt steering gears(rack and pinions). Have had to replace two or more to get a good one. If the replacement gear was not a NEW one(which are very pricey)I would bet the gear needs replacement again.

thanks for answer..now what kind of damage can i do to my vehicle if i drive it like that maybe several hundred miles over the next few weeks.

[GMCustomerService]

Uglydave,

If you would like to keep me updated on your progress with your steering concern, please do so!

Best,
Sarah
GM Customer Service

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by uglydave

thanks for answer..now what kind of damage can i do to my vehicle if i drive it like that maybe several hundred miles over the next few weeks.

Lol, another " ugly Dave" here, could damage the pump over a period of time.