Power steering fading in and out

[devo23]

Fluid is ok and there seems to be no leaks. I seem to have no power steering when I start the car, but it comes around in a couple of minutes. It's somewhat sticky at times (almost shudders lightly) while driving. Any ideas?

The water pump is leaking and flinging water all over. I just bought a replacement, but if I need to replace the power steering pump I'd like to replace both at the same time.

'96 Cutlass Supreme 3.1L V6 86K

Thanks.

[89calais]

Sounds like you'll be needing to replace the power steering pump or , Check the wiring to it ( if it's an electrical one.) and make sure you're hot there. Maybe check it's little internal filter , May just have a bunch of crap inside clogging it up and stopping the fluid from flowing properly.

[devo23]

Good ideas. Thanks.

The pump runs via a pulley and belt. The pulley and belt were getting wet from a leaking water pump, but that's fixed as of tonight. I'll see if the wet belt is the culprit tomorrow. Gunk in the fluid would be a next step. I don't think it's ever been changed.

[DARK AGE 53]

Before you spend the money on a new power steering pump give Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak a try, remove the old fluid from the pump with an old turkey baster and refill to the correct level with the Lucas fluid. After about 100 mile remove the fluid again from the pump, refill again to the correct level. Might be a good idea to buy two bottles, it's not exspensive and you'll know you have enough to do the job.

Al