Power Steering

Today was the first snow here and the first time i experienced power steering loss. I was driving and making a left hand turn and i felt a momentary power steering loss, almost like the car shut off and it made the turns very difficult. Was wondering if anyone has had any problems like this and if it only shows up in inclement weather. I have never had any problems with it before...

It could be the belt slipping.

I had a similar problem and it was caused by a leaking hydrolic tube. The bracket that was supposed to hold it in place was missing and it rubbed against the engine and wore a hole through it. The fluid drained out and the car suddenly went from power steering to non-power. If you get a bubble in the line it can cause what you described. You bleed the lines by turning the steering wheel slowly all the way in both directions a couple times. Power steering fluid and break fluid have to be drained and changed from time to time. You may try draining yours, then refilling it with one of the types that has seal restorer in it. Before you do anything though, check the level to ensure you don't have a leak. As Boschmann said, it could also be a slipping belt, make sure that it isn't worn or loose.

Funny Thing...

Once my power steering reservior was rubbing against the platform the battery sits on... and i'm assuming after 9 years it eventually rubbed a BIG crack into the side of the reservior and all my power steering fluid leaked out... had to buy a new reservior (only $10! :smile:)

Perhaps, no help to your problem, but an experience I just wanted to share.

Thanks! I bled the line and it seems to be working so far.