steering issue...almost locks up
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 50
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From: Hermiston Oregon
steering issue...almost locks up
86 C4
so most of the time, it steers nicely. i have noticed, and it has been mentioned to me by a recent visit to the body shop, that at times it locks up. it feels like someone turned off the power steering. there are even times it feels like it is locked up. once it breaks free it seems to be fine...but every now and again...yikes. it has done it forwards, backwards, from a stop, and while crusing the highway. ideas?
so most of the time, it steers nicely. i have noticed, and it has been mentioned to me by a recent visit to the body shop, that at times it locks up. it feels like someone turned off the power steering. there are even times it feels like it is locked up. once it breaks free it seems to be fine...but every now and again...yikes. it has done it forwards, backwards, from a stop, and while crusing the highway. ideas?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 15,344
Likes: 4,009
From: Texas
Ideas? Sure....it's broke.
Could be the column lock, could be the rack. Doubt it's the pump since a bad pump only makes it hard to turn due to the lack of assist. Based on your description I'd lean towards a bad ps rack.
Could be the column lock, could be the rack. Doubt it's the pump since a bad pump only makes it hard to turn due to the lack of assist. Based on your description I'd lean towards a bad ps rack.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 50
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From: Hermiston Oregon
i dont think its the colum lock..i had that issue with my jeep, and this feels way different. so, the reack....would it be a busching, or does the whole rack do **** up? i'm nit very knoledgeable with suspension issues
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,768
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From: Van Steel Corvettes
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
If it's interment, check to see if the water pump weep hole is leaking. They leak on the belt and you lose power steering for a moment. Being coolant I found the belt doesn't squeal. It's a long shot, but an easy one to check before you start ripping stuff out.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Color my life with the chaos of trouble.
I think you are talking about the exact same thing that happened to my old '87. Does it only do it at low RPM? Next time it does it, rev the car and see if it turns again.
If so, it's either the belt as mentioned or the pump itself going out. Mine was the pump itself. It was losing pressure at low RPM and basically hydro-locking. It felt exactly like what you describe.
If so, it's either the belt as mentioned or the pump itself going out. Mine was the pump itself. It was losing pressure at low RPM and basically hydro-locking. It felt exactly like what you describe.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 50
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From: Hermiston Oregon
i will check the water pump this afternoon. it does seem to be a low rpm issue, creeping out of the driveway etc...it has done it while cruising along....but again, may have been at lower rpm.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 448
From: Upstate NY
86 C4
so most of the time, it steers nicely. i have noticed, and it has been mentioned to me by a recent visit to the body shop, that at times it locks up. it feels like someone turned off the power steering. there are even times it feels like it is locked up. once it breaks free it seems to be fine...but every now and again...yikes. it has done it forwards, backwards, from a stop, and while crusing the highway. ideas?
so most of the time, it steers nicely. i have noticed, and it has been mentioned to me by a recent visit to the body shop, that at times it locks up. it feels like someone turned off the power steering. there are even times it feels like it is locked up. once it breaks free it seems to be fine...but every now and again...yikes. it has done it forwards, backwards, from a stop, and while crusing the highway. ideas?
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
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From: Anaheim CA
Usually you get this when the rack is cold. Sometimes it makes a groaning noise (known as "morning sickness") and it "catches" as you turn the steering wheel.
Try a bottle of Lucas power steering rack treatment. It's miracle stuff and worth a try before resorting to a rack rebuild.
Try a bottle of Lucas power steering rack treatment. It's miracle stuff and worth a try before resorting to a rack rebuild.
