J W Drew

My 85 Z51 requires more effort to steer than I think it should. My question is how does one determine if I have a pump or rack problem. I had the fluid changed a few months ago without improvement. The pump does not squeal.
Thanks,
JW

gjohnson

I thought the same w/my 84,compared to my 76.How is it at speed?Sitting still its a little tough but going down the highway its a little jumpy. I think its designed that way.If it was easy at a stop, at speed it would be dangerous. My friends 89 is the same

J W Drew

It's hard to describe the condition. This is an automatic. I can't imagine being able to down shift and going through a corner if it was a manual due the the amount of resistance.

antfarmer2

It is hard to tell it is all relative. I would pick up the front end and feel the differance. Check for any slop It might just need a good greasing or worn parts might just be the nature of the beast.

J W Drew

What all would you grease other than the 3 zerk fitting on both sides?

gerardvg

Hi
My 85 takes minimal effort and can turn lock to lock while parked with the palm of my hand, I suspect the power steering pump vanes are worn and not producing the pressure required.

No different to most modern cars, as in very little effort required.

I would try a reconditioned power steering pump, note you need to buy a special pulley removal tool.
Do not use pullers they should be removed / replaced with the special tool only, or try a good second hand pump.

The Z51 power steering rack is very direct.

J W Drew

Sounds like the air pump and alternator needs to be removed to get at the PS pump.

xrav22

Yes AP and ALT need to be to make it easy. I just had my rack rebuilt , early signs were hard to turn at idle and hard to turn right. I replaced the pump first but it struggled a little and bought me some time. But the rack failed. Now like th OP said there is no lumpiness at anything just turning easy ,same at idle . I had to have a sleeve put in because the aluminum wears out he said.
Get er done with a new pump and you will be set.

J W Drew

Because of my bad back, I'm going to have to have a shop do the work. Any estimates on what I should expect to spend on this job?
Thanks,
JW

antfarmer2

I agree with that it could be the pump or rack but I would start with grease and feel first. Always better to try the free or cheap first.

antfarmer2

Make sure your belt is good and not slipping.

xrav22

I was quoted 750.00 from the corvette shop here and he included alignment(that scared the bejesus out ). I took it out (I wrote a thing somewhere here) and paid 145 for rebuild of the rack and 70 for a rebuilt pump. I bought some generic hose, fluid, and a PS filter for 50 dollars, new pressure line for 35.00. It took longer for me to clean the brackets and all the gunk than it did to install everything back. I bought new tie rod ends for 80.00 measured the threads and put them back exact. Total price was 380 I quess. Good luck

Z51JEFF

The racks in the early cars-84/86 1/2 are junk and always fail. If you have a shop replace the rack make sure they flush the aluminum debris from the pump.

Silver85

Keep us posted. I am having the same issue. Gonna follow the advice here and see what happens!

J W Drew

Found, what I think is, the last Z51 Rack available in stock. It's been shipped and I will be taking it the shop for installation. $230.00 plus core charge for the rack and $550.00 out the door for installation. Wish me luck. By the way, a company called Lone Star in Texas will rebuild them for about the same price. But, of course that would require my shop to tie up one of their stalls while waiting.

Gibbles

If a good rack i think you stole the thing.

J W Drew

It's coming from Corvette Central.

Silver85

I would like to drive someone else's to decide about my own.

Gibbles

A 2.0 (z51) rack is like driving in a video game, its a hoot in the city while driving a little to fast zipping around corners etc.

​​​​​​​On the freeway its responsive but controllable, i have had my car up to 115mph and i did not have any issues with the ratio.

ctmccloskey

Have any of you tried to install a Power Steering filter? It is one way to keep your pump from eating little slivers of aluminum. Cheap insurance.