please help. Steering problem. dont want to replace wrong part.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: upatate ny
please help. Steering problem. dont want to replace wrong part.
Ive got what may or may not be a strange problem. When car is cold and I start it up there is no power steering but if you turn HARD it will suddenly grab/work for a second .After a couple minutes it will improve but still seems sluggish and will have an occasional "dead spot" especially when turning left. It is not making any strange noises and the fluid is full but a bit cloudy. I ordered a new pump but after talking to the guy at Autozone im not sure if that is the problem. I hope its not the rack :eek: Ive never replaced one before. thankyou everybody for any help you can give.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: please help. Steering problem. dont want to replace wrong part. (daves87)
its called "morning sickness" and its VERY common, but nothing to worry about too much
my vette has it too, long term solution is to replace the power steering pump and/or steering rack. But you can get by with replacing the fluid, in fact that might solve the problem.
my vette has it too, long term solution is to replace the power steering pump and/or steering rack. But you can get by with replacing the fluid, in fact that might solve the problem.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
Re: please help. Steering problem. dont want to replace wrong part. (daves87)
As mentioned, it's pretty common with these C4s...
One suggestion I liked, but have not tried yet, is to disconnect the input hose to the power steering pump from the rack and sticking it into a good size container. Now picture this - someone starts the engine and you're REAL ready to pour lots of new power steering fluid into the pump until it comes out of the hose and into the 'good size container' clear.
This will make sure you've got fresh fluid in there. I've heard GM has a special fluid for this problem.
I haven't had a chance to try this method yet, but I have used a turkey baster to drain the pump (engine off) and then refill with fresh, drive for a little while, and do it again. I really think it's helping.
Try a search in the Forum to see some more on this subject.
Here's a link if you consider replacing the rack: http://www.flash.net/~marcho/rack/rack_replace.html
Good luck.
One suggestion I liked, but have not tried yet, is to disconnect the input hose to the power steering pump from the rack and sticking it into a good size container. Now picture this - someone starts the engine and you're REAL ready to pour lots of new power steering fluid into the pump until it comes out of the hose and into the 'good size container' clear.
This will make sure you've got fresh fluid in there. I've heard GM has a special fluid for this problem.
I haven't had a chance to try this method yet, but I have used a turkey baster to drain the pump (engine off) and then refill with fresh, drive for a little while, and do it again. I really think it's helping.
Try a search in the Forum to see some more on this subject.
Here's a link if you consider replacing the rack: http://www.flash.net/~marcho/rack/rack_replace.html
Good luck.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: upatate ny
Re: please help. Steering problem. dont want to replace wrong part. (daves87)
Thanks guys. As always a big help!! I think ill be changing out the fluid to see what happens. :cheers:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 2
From: BowlingGreen KY
Re: please help. Steering problem. dont want to replace wrong part. (daves87)
Same thing happened to my 90 about 3 years ago. I replaced the rack and no more soggy steering. You can get a rebuilt unit from Ecklers for about $250.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 28
From: South Riding VA
Re: please help. Steering problem. dont want to replace wrong part. (daves87)
I had the same problem and posted here too. Had a suggestion to check the belt and replace the fluid. I didn't know how old the belt was and although I didn't have any audible sign that the belt was slipping, it was beginning to crack slightly. so I replaced it. So far, no more problem. The backside of the belt turns the P/S pump and it looks like it had gotten a bit shiney. Another member said he had a bad belts tensioner and that cured his problem. I'm still going to replace my fluid with some Redline synthetic just for good measure.
Mike
96 CE
Mike
96 CE
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,679
Likes: 2
From: Honolulu HI
Re: please help. Steering problem. dont want to replace wrong part. (daves87)
Same story, flushed mine, filled with Redline syntheitc over and over. Helped a little. Put in a new steering rack, helped a little. Had the pump pressure checked, it was okay. New belt, no difference. New belt tensioner - WOW new car!!
Aloha,
Larry
Aloha,
Larry
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: upatate ny
Re: please help. Steering problem. dont want to replace wrong part. (KYVette90)
Thanks for the reply. Im giong to try this. Oh and by the way your engine compartmeny looks AWSOME nice polishing job. :cheers:
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