billybalut

Recently purchased a 88 C4 Conv, low miles in very good shape. Upon starting the car the steering is very heavy, less so to the left but when turned to the right in the 2 o'clock position its like it stops and I have to force it to the right to complete the turn. after it warms up and I turn it lock to lock it gets better and better. when I am driving on the road after it warms up it seems normal in all respects but In morning the same happens again or anytime the car sits and cools off. I checked the tie rod ends, the PSpump, rack and there are no leaks tight and seems to be in normal operational condition. Any idea's or input would be appreciated. Aloha from the islands, Billy

wilsman

my 84 does the same thing,from what i read when they have a stiff spot turning to the right its the rack going bad.i feel your pain.

billybalut

well as they say I guess we are in the same corvette (boat) together. I think I will be installing a new rack this weekend, Aloha and Mahalo.

AGENT 86

They call it "morning sickness"
Some have had success by switching to synthetic power steering fluid. I can't comment much, never had it and don't want it.
Here's a search using the key words "morning sickness"
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/sear...archid=5744448

wilsman

mine does it even if i drive it all day

trackman44

Before anything else, drain it, flush with mineral spirits, drain and then put in a good quality power steering fluid.

billybalut

Thanks I appreciate all the input and since cleaning the system is the cheapest way to go I will try that first, Mahalo All

billybalut

should I start the car an pump the mineral spirits though out the system or what. going to give this a try in the morning and I do not want to damage anything in the system/

billybalut

should I pump the mineral spirits thoughout the system then drain, I plan on doing this in the morning and I do not wish to damage anything that I should not. Thanks

plant7pugsley

Morning sickness as it's called is caused by the valve seals in the rack wearing into the aluminum housing. GM switched back to a cast iron 'top hat' in later years to prevent the seals from digging in. What happens is the power steering fluid starts to by pass the valve through the worn groves; hence you loose power steering. Usually when the fluid heats up, the seals expand and re seat themselves and the power steering comes back.

You can buy new racks with cast iron valves or aftermarket ones that have been bored and sleeved. I'd trust the iron head ones more than the sleeved ones. If the sleeve moves, you'd have no steering as the rack would go into hydraulic lock.

coupeguy2001

if your car has problems with the steering when cold, it's morning sickness.
If your car has problems all day, it's old, thick fluid, wrong fluid, or a worn pump. Change the fluid, drive it a little, change it again. on the pump thing, I'd change the fluid, and see.

billybalut

I cleaned the system, man was there alot of crap in there! drained and replaced and it seems my problem is greatly reduced. I will drive it for a week and see if it gets all the way to normal before I go ahead and change the rack. Aloha and Mahalo to all you guys. Ralph

billybalut

Well I thought this would help cure it but its just as bad now that I have driven it a few day, actually its worst now than before. I guess I will be replacing the rack this weekend, I do appreciate the input, Aloha

AGENT 86

While you look for a rack, put in a bottle of Lucas power steering additive.

blackbear bob

+1 on the Lucas

billybalut

drained and cleaned the system one more time, this time I took your suggestions and used the Lucas product. worth every penny, no more bumps, it seems to be working the way it should now. appreciate the input and now I hope it lasts. Mahalo

Lichen

As stated, it is called "morning sickness". I lived with it for 4 years until I replaced the PS pump. Problem solved.

AGENT 86

Lucas is good $hit