Steering really stiff at times??
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,323
Likes: 142
From: Green Valley Arizona
Steering really stiff at times??
Car is an 96 LT4, friend of mine. He has asked me if I know what would cause the steering to become very stiff and then become normal again. Usually happens just after start-up, barely moving, and the first turn of the steering wheel. Happens when he backs out of the garage, onto the street and then when he goes to turn the wheel to go down the roard, its really stiff. Happends again in the parking lot after work....eiher backs out or pulls forward and then when he goes to turn...very stiff wheel. Afterwards, everything is fine.
Has check fluid level--okay...no leaks, belt good.
Is this the start of something going out?
Anything I should tell him to check?
LannyL81
Has check fluid level--okay...no leaks, belt good.
Is this the start of something going out?
Anything I should tell him to check?
LannyL81
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 5
From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
Draw some PS fluid. If it is dark replace it. I just did mine. Use a plastic turkey baster. To replace most of it draw 2 cups at a time, replace with new fluid, drive it, repeat. It took almost 2 quarts (4 repeats) to get most of it. I used Valvoline for older cars 75,000+ fluid. This cured it.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 628
Likes: 3
From: Greenville NC
Valvoline Syntec
I had a very slight PS leak. After adding about a quart of Valvoline Syntec, the leak stopped. No drips on garage floor for about 8 months. I read this is not a fully synthetic product, but many forum members recommended it and I like the results. Also used their brake fluid with no problems.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,323
Likes: 142
From: Green Valley Arizona
Thanks
I will relay this information to my friend...and also change out the PS fluid in my 96....
Do I need to worry about bleeding air out? By lifting the front tires off the ground and then with engine on turn the wheels lock to lock couple of times?
Thanks again
Do I need to worry about bleeding air out? By lifting the front tires off the ground and then with engine on turn the wheels lock to lock couple of times?
Thanks again
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,471
Likes: 2
From: 1993 Quasar Blue 'vert Scottsdale AZ
Mine has morning sickness every winter. Just turn the wheel a few times before you take off. The Lucas really does help.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,160
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
The rack wears out with age and without changing the fluid every 2 years (like any fluid in your car) or regularly, you'll run into this issue.
I use the turkey baster. I would not put anything else into the system besides PS fluid, ever.
I use the turkey baster. I would not put anything else into the system besides PS fluid, ever.