85 Power Steering Problem
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 442
Likes: 23
From: Seattle Washington
85 Power Steering Problem
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
Thanks,
JW
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,814
Likes: 441
From: Denver CO
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
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 442
Likes: 23
From: Seattle Washington
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.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 15,926
Likes: 579
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.
Last edited by antfarmer2; Dec 7, 2016 at 05:33 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 442
Likes: 23
From: Seattle Washington
What all would you grease other than the 3 zerk fitting on both sides?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 278
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 239
From: Venice Cali.
out he said.Get er done with a new pump and you will be set.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 239
From: Venice Cali.
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
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,164
Likes: 940
From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 442
Likes: 23
From: Seattle Washington
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.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,275
Likes: 165
From: Utah
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.
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.
