very hard steering when turning right

On several occasions when I turn right the steering wheel seems as if it locks up. My car is a 97 with almost 93k miles on it and while it does not do this but very occasionally, I am kinda curious as to what could be causing this. It feels as if the power steering just quits, but all is better after I straighten out. The last time this happened was 3 days ago and I almost got rear-ended :-( Any suggestions on what could be causing this?

I had a 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme that would react in a similar manner however it was only in colder weather and during the first few minutes of operation. My conclusion at the time was that some of the valves that control the flow of power steering fluid were sticking as a result of the cold. Once fluid warmed the problem went away. Is there any particular driving condition in which you experience this? Low speed, high speed, sharp turns, shallow turns, warm engine, cold engine, etc?

Here’s what the Service Manual says:

Hard Steering/Lack of Assist

> Excessive internal steering gear leakage
> Pump pressure or flow insufficient
> Strut bearings binding
> Kinked or bent inlet or outlet lines
> At low speed, Magnasteer system malfunction
> Steering gear valve sticking
> Thick fluid in cold weather

I’d start by doing some simple visual inspections of the power-steering pump, hoses, fluid, etc.

At low speed, Magnasteer system malfunction

tsk tsk...so common, apparently thats all related to resonance frequency of the power steering lines based on its length (not sure if its an old wives tale)

> At low speed, Magnasteer system malfunction

I’d start by doing some simple visual inspections of the power-steering pump, hoses, fluid, etc.


As you might have guessed, it hat relatively low speeds (sub 20 mph).

I guess I will look at that. How does one go about correcting the Magnasteer system? Do I have to go to the dealer?

You could install a Power Steering anti shudder outlet hose, a short hose not affected by it's resonance frequency.
Part # 25728474
However it is quite an involved procedure which includes drilling holes unless you have a 1999