stupid question from girl with mustang

Hi,
bare with me please, I'm sure this is an easy and stupid question. I have a 95 mustang lx convertible that has been garaged for about a year. I was able to get the battery running again, but cannot steer at all. Well, at least without using serious muscle and having the car make terrible, really loud crunching noises that sound like metal on metal. And then the steering will only move a little (either way)

Is this an easy fix I can take care of myself? I want to sell the car, so don't want to spend a lot of money with a mechanic.

It's a beautiful car if anyone wants it. Red with black top.
Real fixer upper ;)

Thanks

How is the power steering fluid? If it is clean and filled to the proper level, then try to have someone turn the wheel while you inspect the steering rack for proper movement. It sounds as if the steering rack has been damaged. Was the car in an accident? Maybe the body was fixed and the internals were left untouched?

How is the power steering fluid? If it is clean and filled to the proper level, then try to have someone turn the wheel while you inspect the steering rack for proper movement. It sounds as if the steering rack has been damaged. Was the car in an accident? Maybe the body was fixed and the internals were left untouched?

Thanks for the reply. The car was in an accident a few years back, but the steering problem only happened when I tried driving it after letting it sit for eight months. I'm hoping all it needs is steering fluid, but the noise is extremely loud and the wheel will barely turn at all. Is it expensive to replace a steering rack?

Thanks,
Julie

Without having particulars, mileage etc. first fill the power steering pump up to proper levels to eliminate that issue. Then make sure belt is at proper tension to eliminate that possibility. Then write back and update.

its hard to guess without seeing it. you might wanna bleed the system and refill it first. if that doesnt change anything your pump might have died on you. you may also wanna re-grease your outer tie rod ends, they might of corroded on the spindle

does the steering wheel get easier to turn when moving?

i'm assuming that these problems are occuring while the car is not running. that wouldn't account for the scraping, but it's an idea. as for that, make sure all of your front suspension and steering components, as well as the rims and tires, are in good condition. oh yeah, and the next time you let a car sit, make sure you start the motor and let it run for a while every couple weeks. good luck!

this forum has been a great help. I haven't tried any of these things yet, but I'll follow your instructions and hopefully get this car moving soon.
Thanks again everyone!!

JulieMac

where is the car located and what are you asking for it??? i need a new toy

and untouched - meaning come and start it yourself - I'd like to get $3,000 for it. The car was running fine before I let it just sit for over eight months. It would be a great vehicle for someone who wants to put some work into it. It wont take much to get it running, but I'm sure it cold use attention beyond that. I'll admit I haven't been diligent with maintaning the vehicle.
It is in a parking garage, which is about a 30 minute metro ride (subway) from where I live, so that's why it sits for such long periods of time. Also because, until I sold it last week, I had a Lexus that was my primary vehicle. I'm selling because I live in an urban area, don't have a parking space, and usually walk or take the metro everywhere, so having a car is a hassle for me.

well, if you have a subway nearby it's too far away. i'm near detroit, i would fix the power steering issue and put it in a local paper. unless you have a MAJOR leak, you should be able to slowly fill the reservoir while it's running, and slowly turn the steering wheel all the way one side to the other, that will bleed the air out, and the noise will go away. i'm wondering, if the car drove fine before you parked it, then it shouldn't need a rack and pinion, probably just a refill of power steering fluid