1981. Not sure exactly what my problem is. When I'm driving the car at low speeds (less than 5 MPH), when I turn the steering wheel all the way to the left or right, the steering wheel will stay all the way turned in that direction, instead of returning to the center. I have to physically turn the wheel in the opposite direction using both hands to get the wheels to start to straighten. As long as I don't turn it all the way to the left or the right, the power steering works as normal. Happens when I am moving forward or backward.

 

From your description, it sounds like there is a problem with the shuttle valve in the P/S control valve having free motion at the ends of it's travel. Or...the steering box is binding at the extremes of movement. Or...your steering linkage arms are worn and you get some mechanical binding when you put higher loading on them.

First, jack up front end, start engine and have someone else turn the steering wheel full-left while you watch the steering links actuate. Look for any significant changes in behavior when full-left is reached. Do the same for full-right movement. Then you can get in the car and do the same thing while you feel for any binding at the extremes of wheel movement.

When fully loaded, the steering links want to 'kink-up' from the combination of apply force and mechanical resistance where they can no longer move. If you see the links "buckling", that movement will point to the portion of the steering system that is weakest. The idler arm is a common 'weak link' in the steering system, but that may or may not be your problem.

If you find no particular source of trouble in the steering linkages or in the steering box, the control valve is most likely the culprit.

 

Thanks very much, 7T1. Failed to mention, 51K miles on the car, so assuming not that much wear of the front end components. The car was not driven for several years and as we both know, sometimes components will deteriorate due to inactivity, although not sure about PS Control Valves. I'll follow your trouble shooting procedures tonite and provide update in the AM.

 

51,000 miles (or, maybe, 151,000...or 251,000) and 40+ years will cause deterioration of components. Test the steering, then make a decision as to what areas to repair/change.

 

low pump pressure?