Power Steering Problem

[97GreenGTP]

I have a 97 GTP with about 247K miles on it. The power steering rack has been leaking oil for a while and I decided to get it changed. By the way, this was second or third power rack that has gone bad. I didn't get the outer tie rod ends changed. So this time I decided to replace hoses, pump and rack. My usual mechanic couldn't work on it so I had to try someone new.

Needless to say, he did a so so job. When I pulled my car out of his lot, the steering was harder than before (lot harder). He told me that he didn't get a chance to bleed the system and as I drive, the system would bleed and it would become soft. There was power steering pump growl for first day or so and it is gone now. There is enough fluid in the reservoir too. There has been no bubbles/ foam in the reservoir either.

Since then I have put about 700 miles and steering is still hard. It is that hard that I can't turn the car with one hand. So here is my questions:

1. Would GP power steering system bleed itself as I drive it or I have to take lines lose?
2. Can there be something else that he might have screwed up?
3. What can I do to check if the system in not bled or some part is bad?

My motivation to make this expense was that I want to take it to 250 K miles in addition to the fact that it's been a good car to me and still kicks ass.

[olopezm]

If you open the Pump reservoir and the oil looks foamy or you can see bubbles coming out you have air trapped in the system. Here's the bleeding procedure from the Tips and Maintenance section:

Refill and air bleeding procedure (rack n pinion system):

NOTE: To relieve steering tension when engine is off, you can raise and support the vehicle with front wheels off the ground. Use good quality power steering fluid. A small funnel with a long hose attached should be used to add fluid.

With ignition off and in steering unlock position, turn wheel to the left. Now add power steering fluid to the FULL COLD mark on the dipstick. Leave the cap off. Turns wheels side to side several times without hitting the steering stops. Check fluid level again and add to maintain level at FULL COLD mark.

Start the engine and let idle for approximately 5 minutes. Turn the wheels all the way to the left and right several times without hitting the stops. Turn off engine and check the fluid level again. Make sure that it is at or near the FULL HOT line. Replace cap.

Road test car and then check for leaks. Also you can re-check fluid level again just to verify.

Not being able to turn the car with one hand is not big deal, look at the bright side: you'll get a killer set of biceps, nah I'm just kidding it sucks having a bad power steering system.

Best regards,

Oscar.

[grandprixgtx00]

another thing to confirm with the mechanic is that it was replaced with a Magnasteer rack instead of a regular one. The GTP's and some GT's were equipped with the magnasteer which is a Variable-assist power steering.

[97GreenGTP]

I specifically mentioned to him that my car has got magnasteer and I am sure he got the right part. Now if the rack is bad out of the box, then I have issues.

Is there any way to check if the rack itself is functioning right?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by 97GreenGTP

Is there any way to check if the rack itself is functioning right?

No. You need a rack and pinion servicer/test fixture. Getting bad rack & pinions is common out of the box depending on the parts source.

Easy to tell if you have Magnasteer which all GTPs have due to the GT package. Look for the electrical connector and wiring harness at the rack tower where it mates up to the intermediate steering shaft. Also, the turns ratio lock to lock is different between non-Magnasteer and Magnasteer.

[tblake]

Bob, if the replacement rack wasn't a magnasteer, it wouldn't plug in, if the shop left the rack plug unplugged, wouldn't the ABS/TRAC off lights be lit? Aren't they incorporated somehow? (sorry just thinking out loud)

And BTW, go Rangers for the world series!! I'm so happy the rangers beat out the Yanks. Did you make it or are you going to any of the playoff games?

[BNaylor]

I really don't know Tim. You would figure the shop would know better. I'd have to double check but the ebtcm module may not do any diagnostics on the evo actuator or whatever it is called so possibly no codes. On magnasteer ii i recall there is a feedback circuit.
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[tblake]

Good to know Bob. Another question, is it possible to use a 04+ R&P in a 97-03 GP?