Power steering problems

[greasyhog]

So my steering has recently gotten stiff/harder to turn. Mostly when turning left. Steering returns after going around a corner. PS fluid is good, belt is good, no groaning or any other noises from PS pump. When car is up on stands the steering turns like butter with car on and off. When on the ground not moving it is hard to turn with car on or off. Once start moving it is easier to turn. I notice it more with left turns but had my uncle drove the car and he thinks its harder than normal right and left. My uncle also commented that the PS fluid smelled burnt to him. He called his mechanic friend and they both thought it was weird and they were not sure if was pump or rack or maybe something else. Any ideas? Would burnt PS fluid cause this problem? I may try to flush and see if it helps. Any ideas or suggestions?

[greasyhog]

so if the control valve looks similar clean the pump (like your step by step instructions) and try it? What would the green bits indicate?

[greasyhog]

I replaced my inner ties about a month ago and the green piece that is shattered in your pic were fine when I replaced them but didn't fit on the new ties so left them off. I will take the pump off and see what it looks like later today and report back.

[greasyhog]

the ITRE had noticeable play with them. I thought the green things were just like end caps on the tie rod. They fit snug on the originals that were removed but were really loose on the new ones.

EDIT: It looks like the green cap is a shock dampener according to this pic I found (number 13) http://www.shbox.com/1/innertierod.jpg which I would only assume would have broke since it was so loose on the new ITREs and would have caused some damage.

[greasyhog]

I checked the driver side ball joint and didn't notice any play when I was checking things out but not the passenger side. How would I check the strut mounts, is it possible to check them without removing struts?

[gmtech1]

Does the steering assist improve with increased engine rpm? Check this while in park. If so, probably a pump, if not it'll probably need a gear.

[greasyhog]

Originally Posted by gmtech1

Does the steering assist improve with increased engine rpm? Check this while in park. If so, probably a pump, if not it'll probably need a gear.

Slightly but not much. Still hard to turn with higher rpms while parked

[gmtech1]

Without checking pump pressure, you won't know for sure if the pump is ok. Typically increasing eng rpm will increase assist from the pump. If change was noticeable the pump may be weak. The gear may have a problem also, would not be unusual. Really need to know pump pressure.

[greasyhog]

Originally Posted by gmtech1

Without checking pump pressure, you won't know for sure if the pump is ok. Typically increasing eng rpm will increase assist from the pump. If change was noticeable the pump may be weak. The gear may have a problem also, would not be unusual. Really need to know pump pressure.

how do I check pressure at the pump and what should it be?

edit: found how to test http://freeasestudyguides.com/power-...sure-test.html Hopefully autozone or advanced has one to rent.
Just need to find out what the pressure readings should be

[greasyhog]

Update: got the rack replaced. Working great so far!

[gmtech1]

Great to hear, sorry I didn't get back to you on pump pressures.