1996 Park Avenue Power Steering

[Marsal420]

So i just bought a car for $100 it's in great shape and honestly doesnt' have much wrong with it, the k-member bolts rusted through and those are now replaced so now i have to get an exhaust system put on it and it's ready to go. We'll actually it's not that easy i now need to figure out why i dont have power steering, and from what i was told it's the rack and pinion? and i was also told that it would cost close to $800 for the part and labor, so really if sumone could tell me possibly another problem that would not allow me to have power steering other then the rack and pinnion.

So please if sumone may have an idea of what it may be it would be a great deal of help for me.

[maxwedge]

When you say no p/s, you mean the wheel is tight like no assist, if so the pump should be tested for pressure output first.

[Marsal420]

From what i was told by a friend of mine that is currently working on that car, he said there was no power steering at all so what im thinking is there was no assit to turning the wheel in any direction. I will go ahead and have him check the pressure , by the way how would i go about doing so? Like what would i have to do because for what it may be worth he wants to buy the car for cheaper then it's worth so really im thinking he's trying to go ahead say there sum stupid problem and go and fix it and sell it , and honestly that may be the case but i think im gonna go ahead and find out whats going on with the steering so if u could tell me the directions how i could do so or should i just bring it into a shop and have them check it out?

[maxwedge]

If the belt is on and turning the pump and the fluid is full the rack is not usually the problem, the pump is, it must be tested with a pressure gage configured for testing p/s pumps.

[82Stang]

Just wondering if you notice any leaking underneath? Many a car have I replaced Power Steering lines on. They are usually the first or second to go. Or if leakage is not a problem then there is another reason power assist will cut out. I had a similar problem with a Buick and it was the Power Steering Pressure Switch which was underneath just behind the left front wheel. Probably different on the PA, but worth a look.

Hope this helps!