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1986 steering problem

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Old Aug 4, 2009 | 12:21 AM
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Default 1986 steering problem

Hi i just got my corvette, 1986 tpi, and it was sitting for awhile. The problem is that when i turn to the left the steering is sticking (slowing down and getting tigheter) for a second, then continuing. It seems to be in the same spot everytime i turn. I changed the power steering fluid and it was oil black and metallic. I put new fluid in but im sure its still a lil grimy. I was just wondering if this is a power steering pump, or rack and pinion problem?
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Old Aug 4, 2009 | 11:05 AM
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Probably a bad rack. Does the problem go away as you drive? Sometimes a bad rack will act up more when they are cold. My car used to do this, then I changed the fluid to synthetic and now it doesn't.
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Old Aug 5, 2009 | 10:47 AM
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Originally Posted by Farkas70proof
Hi i just got my corvette, 1986 tpi, and it was sitting for awhile. The problem is that when i turn to the left the steering is sticking (slowing down and getting tigheter) for a second, then continuing. It seems to be in the same spot everytime i turn. I changed the power steering fluid and it was oil black and metallic. I put new fluid in but im sure its still a lil grimy. I was just wondering if this is a power steering pump, or rack and pinion problem?
You may have C4 "Morning Sickness" common problem with C4's my '86 used to do it and I think I may have just noticed it starting on my '85.

Google for more info.
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Old Aug 5, 2009 | 11:17 AM
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lol morning sickness. I finally got a day off today so im going to poke around for a little bit and see whats going on down there.
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Old Aug 5, 2009 | 11:24 AM
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What is your definition of "sitting a while". Is this measured in days, months or years?

Morning sickness is usually a groaning sound when turning the wheel while the car is still cold. Like when backing out of the driveway.

Yours sounds like a stiff spot on the rack, maybe rust. Are the boots intact or torn so moisture can enter?

A good visual inspection may help.
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Old Aug 5, 2009 | 12:26 PM
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I'm not sure exactly how long but with what i've seen (flat spot on tires, stuck closed thermostat, cobwebs lol) I would say 2-3 years. I had the groan at first but that was an easy fix it had low and really, really bad power steering fluid in it. I'll look at the arms coming out of that rack and check the boots, it might just have a little bad spot that can be taken care of. thanks
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