Power Steering Question....

[sirul]

Hey guys, can you help me figure it out if I have a failing steering pump, or it is in the rack and pinion/CV shaft.

When I drive "normal" the power steering is just fine, no noise and smooth. But when I take a corner a little fast and hard, the steering makes noise (medium wining) as soon as I turn either way. Also, if I'm not moving, it is hard to turn the steering and the noise gets a little louder when I try to turn the wheel. After a while it goes away, usually after shut off the car for a while. Then, things go back to "normal".

Any suggestions? I'm not sure how the steering system is related to each part.

Thanks!!

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by sirul

Hey guys, can you help me figure it out if I have a failing steering pump, or it is in the pinion rack/CV shaft.

When I drive "normal" the power steering is just fine, no noise and smooth. But when I take a corner a little fast and hard, the steering makes noise (medium wining) as soon as I turn either way. Also, if I'm not moving, it is hard to turn the steering and the noise gets a little louder when I try to turn the wheel. After a while it goes away, usually after shut off the car for a while. Then, things go back to "normal".

Any suggestions? I'm not sure how the steering system is related to each part.

Thanks!!

I've assumed you have already checked the fluid level. Your problem sounds more like the power steering pump and not the rack and pinion. Symptoms of a rack heading South are normally a lot worse.

Try some Seafoam additive and it may help reduce the whining.

[richtazz]

have you checked your fluid level? Your symptoms are classic low fluid indicators.

edit, Bob and I were answering at the same time, he just beat me.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by richtazz

have you checked your fluid level? Your symptoms are classic low fluid indicators.

edit, Bob and I were answering at the same time, he just beat me.

At least we are on the same sheet of music as usual Rich.

I noticed Autozone started selling Seafoam products. Convenient. I've heard it works miracles on the steering system too. Same stuff for the tranny from what I understand.

[sirul]

Originally Posted by richtazz

have you checked your fluid level? Your symptoms are classic low fluid indicators.

edit, Bob and I were answering at the same time, he just beat me.

Will check right now. Be back with a response....

[Langning]

How can one go by checking/adding power steering fluid? On my 01 GT, it is almost impossible to reach the pump reservoir tank with the coolant tank on the side and alternator and 2 coolant passage hoses directly on top.

When doing my oil changes I noticed that on the rack and pinion there is plug (bigger than size of dollar coin) is "wet". I did 1 time unscrewed the PS tank cap and level was OK. Because of awkward spot to place the pump, I haven't checked again or figure out how to add more fluid...

[sirul]

Originally Posted by Langning

How can one go by checking/adding power steering fluid? On my 01 GT, it is almost impossible to reach the pump reservoir tank with the coolant tank on the side and alternator and 2 coolant passage hoses directly on top.

When doing my oil changes I noticed that on the rack and pinion there is plug (bigger than size of dollar coin) is "wet". I did 1 time unscrewed the PS tank cap and level was OK. Because of awkward spot to place the pump, I haven't checked again or figure out how to add more fluid...

Well.... after 5 minutes looking for the power steering pump reservoir, there is hardly any room to get my hand in there and check the fluid level. I also installed an aftermarket stabilizer bar and it its right on top of the coolant hoses. I'm at work and I don't have my tools to take the bar out and check the fluid. I will post something tonight after I get home and remove the stabilizer bar. (What a place to put the power steering pump )

[richtazz]

I would be the first to agree with you that the location of the power steering pump on these cars is a b#$ch. It makes no sense that they'd put it in the back on the bottom, while the alternator is on top. I can't remember the last time I had to check my alternator fluid,

[wlkjr]

Although my 97 is not convenient, it isn't really hard to get to.

[BNaylor]

Checking the level isn't that bad once you let the engine cool down. It is getting it refilled. I use a small funnel with a long plastic hose attached.

In my case I have a multiplication factor of times three. 97 GTP, 01 Regal GS and 99 Regal LS.