1999 PA Power Steering intermittent now gone

[jfranklin]

My power steering would go off after a hard turn but would come back on Now its staying off I put in a new pump in 2 yrs ago The car has 170k miles There are no leaks I checked the pump shaft and its not broken
Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated Thanks

[Blue Bowtie]

I'm guessing that the steering rack may have an issue, not the pump.

I hope you don't have an electrically assisted power steering system, since those are even more confounding.

[jfranklin]

Thanks for response
How would I know if it's got electronic system?
If I get the car up high enough can I change the rack myself?

[Blue Bowtie]

Find the vehicle RPO, or "Service Parts Identification" label. It lists the option codes that define what the vehicle was assembled with. The label could be in the glove compartment, inside the trunk lid, or possibly in a center console lid. My LeSabre had it in the glove box.

If the code "NV8" is on the label, the vehicle was built with the Magna-Steer power assist rack.

Another clue would be the presence of an electrical connector and wires at the top of the rack where the steering column shaft enters the rack unit.

If the unit is electrically-assisted, the connector can be removed to disable the variable resistance input to test rack's performance in a straight hydraulic mode.

[jfranklin]

I don't see any wires or connector where the steering connects. Is it possible that the system needs to be bled?

[Blue Bowtie]

I had assumed that the system was full of clean hydraulic oil (no moisture) so that bubbles are not present in the oil reservoir. I have never had to perform any special bleed procedure on a GM rack, other than filling the system and running the rack from end to end for several cycles. It's easiest to do that unloaded, with the wheels off the ground.

[jfranklin]

Yes it has clean fluid no bubbles
I guess I'll either change the rack(lots of rusty connections)
or retire the car. One other thing , I did
drive it thru alot of flooded streets
the night before the power steering went out

Thanks for the responses

[Blue Bowtie]

If the fluid is "clean" in appearance but not new, it might be worth the effort to drain and refill it. Hydraulic oil does lose it's anti-wear and rust inhibition properties after a period of time, and if there was any moisture accumulated during the submarine operations, it could make a difference.

It's an item that is rarely changed, but should be, and is very similar to brake fluid in that regard.

[jfranklin]

Thanks for the suggestion
I'll change the fluid
& report back
Periscope down!