Lucas products work (based on my experience only)!!
Steering Problem
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 15
From: Martinsburg WV
Steering Problem
I have a '88 C4.
Well the other day I was driving and out of nowhere the steering got really tight as if the power steering went out. It lasted a few seconds then went back to normal. It happened today also-I started it up and right away I noticed the steering wouldnt move as easily but after I gave it gas and took off it went back to normal though it got messed up again a few minutes later. I has plenty of power steering fluid btw. Any ideas?
Well the other day I was driving and out of nowhere the steering got really tight as if the power steering went out. It lasted a few seconds then went back to normal. It happened today also-I started it up and right away I noticed the steering wouldnt move as easily but after I gave it gas and took off it went back to normal though it got messed up again a few minutes later. I has plenty of power steering fluid btw. Any ideas?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,043
Likes: 7
From: Tampa Florida
Sounds like the pump has a problem. I understand that you have plenty of fluid in there -- but does it get low from time to time and require a "top off"? Check for leaks...hoses...pump...rack....there may be more going on there. It may just need a new pump or maybe there is crap/debree in fluid. If the problem continues do a fluid swap on it a few times or replace the pump.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 15
From: Martinsburg WV
Ive only had the car for about 3 months now and Ive never had a steering problem b4 so Ive never payed attention to the power steering fluid. How much does a new factory pump go for? Whats involved in changing it? Any particular steps in draining the fluid and putting new fluid in?
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,705
Likes: 284
I have a '96 now but I owned an '87 between 98 and 2004. I had the same problem. It is referred to as Morning Sickness. It usually happens in the morning when you start the car (and everthing is cold) and you go to turn the steering wheel. The steering wheel seems to suddenly lock or tighten up then it releases. That's morning sickness. The seals inside the steering rack are leaking. So there is no hydraulic pressure at first which casuses the symtom. The only fix unfortuately is a new steering rack. I had mine replaced for about $420. The car drove like a vette again when the new rack was in.
Good luck,
Trebor
Good luck,
Trebor
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,254
Likes: 221
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Toronto Ontario
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Toronto Ontario
9 times out of 10 it probably isn't pump related when it comes to corvette steering problems. It is most likely the seals in the rack and pinion assy that are worn out. Either use the Lucas power steering revitelizer ( which engorges the failing rubber seals so that steering is restored) or replace the R&P assy. Its just a matter of dollars and cents ( how much you can afford and for how long you can put it off for).
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,759
Likes: 8
9 times out of 10 it probably isn't pump related when it comes to corvette steering problems. It is most likely the seals in the rack and pinion assy that are worn out. Either use the Lucas power steering revitelizer ( which engorges the failing rubber seals so that steering is restored) or replace the R&P assy. Its just a matter of dollars and cents ( how much you can afford and for how long you can put it off for).
I've been wondering if it could be the steering shaft? When I have the key to on in my 89 Firebird, the steering wheel is easy to turn. In my 89 Vette with the key to on, the steering wheel is still hard to turn.
I'm guessing that the power steering stuff doesn't start working until the car is started?
And can you recommend a rebuilt R&P? I know alot of the aftermarket venders offer them, so I don't know which ones are the good ones.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,884
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia Mississippi
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Well, if you haven't tried the process, don't knock it:
Use a turkey baster to remove the fluid, add Lucas and synth fluid, raise front wheels, start car, and turn wheels full left to right 15 times, recheck fluid and top off, then repeat process of left-right turns 15 times, take it out for a drive and find a parking lot and run some figure 8's, come back, turkey remove and do the process again. Took me 2 times, but NO more morning sick and saved $425+... may work, may not for you... but an easy try.
Use a turkey baster to remove the fluid, add Lucas and synth fluid, raise front wheels, start car, and turn wheels full left to right 15 times, recheck fluid and top off, then repeat process of left-right turns 15 times, take it out for a drive and find a parking lot and run some figure 8's, come back, turkey remove and do the process again. Took me 2 times, but NO more morning sick and saved $425+... may work, may not for you... but an easy try.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Toronto Ontario
Well, if you haven't tried the process, don't knock it:
Use a turkey baster to remove the fluid, add Lucas and synth fluid, raise front wheels, start car, and turn wheels full left to right 15 times, recheck fluid and top off, then repeat process of left-right turns 15 times, take it out for a drive and find a parking lot and run some figure 8's, come back, turkey remove and do the process again. Took me 2 times, but NO more morning sick and saved $425+... may work, may not for you... but an easy try.
Use a turkey baster to remove the fluid, add Lucas and synth fluid, raise front wheels, start car, and turn wheels full left to right 15 times, recheck fluid and top off, then repeat process of left-right turns 15 times, take it out for a drive and find a parking lot and run some figure 8's, come back, turkey remove and do the process again. Took me 2 times, but NO more morning sick and saved $425+... may work, may not for you... but an easy try.
Couldn't have said it ( or typed it) better myself!
