Power Steering problem 94 LT1
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 281
Likes: 3
From: Palm Coast FL
Power Steering problem 94 LT1
94, LT1 49,000 miles.
So having just replaced the opti, water pump, plugs, wires, and serpentine belt, and it was all working perfectly, one week later I have a dysfunctional PS system when I first start up. The steering wheel is very heavy and moves with varying degrees of stiffness until the engine is running at higher RPMs. I topped up the PS reservoir, checked the serpentine belt tension, sucked out some of the PS fluid and used that repair stuff (name escapes me, was highly recommended by everyone on another thread).
The only possible clue is that the belt I originally purchased was impossible to get on, so I went up a size. It doesn't seem to be slipping, no squeals, no wobbles, but I wonder if the PS pulley is slipping? Any ideas?
Thanks guys,
Andrew
So having just replaced the opti, water pump, plugs, wires, and serpentine belt, and it was all working perfectly, one week later I have a dysfunctional PS system when I first start up. The steering wheel is very heavy and moves with varying degrees of stiffness until the engine is running at higher RPMs. I topped up the PS reservoir, checked the serpentine belt tension, sucked out some of the PS fluid and used that repair stuff (name escapes me, was highly recommended by everyone on another thread).
The only possible clue is that the belt I originally purchased was impossible to get on, so I went up a size. It doesn't seem to be slipping, no squeals, no wobbles, but I wonder if the PS pulley is slipping? Any ideas?
Thanks guys,
Andrew
Last edited by asjwalsh; Sep 18, 2011 at 01:56 PM. Reason: added info
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,620
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
Check the indicator on the tensioneer to see if the pointer is in the normal range.
If you have the old belt, try that one again.
New belts are sometimes like that, they can be a bear to get on.
If you have the old belt, try that one again.
New belts are sometimes like that, they can be a bear to get on.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,660
Likes: 22
94, LT1 49,000 miles.
So having just replaced the opti, water pump, plugs, wires, and serpentine belt, and it was all working perfectly, one week later I have a dysfunctional PS system when I first start up. The steering wheel is very heavy and moves with varying degrees of stiffness until the engine is running at higher RPMs. I topped up the PS reservoir, checked the serpentine belt tension, sucked out some of the PS fluid and used that repair stuff (name escapes me, was highly recommended by everyone on another thread).
The only possible clue is that the belt I originally purchased was impossible to get on, so I went up a size. It doesn't seem to be slipping, no squeals, no wobbles, but I wonder if the PS pulley is slipping? Any ideas?
Thanks guys,
Andrew
So having just replaced the opti, water pump, plugs, wires, and serpentine belt, and it was all working perfectly, one week later I have a dysfunctional PS system when I first start up. The steering wheel is very heavy and moves with varying degrees of stiffness until the engine is running at higher RPMs. I topped up the PS reservoir, checked the serpentine belt tension, sucked out some of the PS fluid and used that repair stuff (name escapes me, was highly recommended by everyone on another thread).
The only possible clue is that the belt I originally purchased was impossible to get on, so I went up a size. It doesn't seem to be slipping, no squeals, no wobbles, but I wonder if the PS pulley is slipping? Any ideas?
Thanks guys,
Andrew
This is known in the Corvette world as "Morning Sickness"....and its very common to Rack & Pinion vehicles.
However, do not be discouraged !
There is a cure for Morning Sickness !
Go to the auto parts store and demand a pt bottle of LUCAS Rack & Pinion Conditioner and sealer and the problem will go away within 30 seconds and never return. Most people that have been exposed to this product will add LUCAS to NEW PS systems to prevent anything from happening....becaue the product actually WORKS ! $9 most stores. Don;t waste your time or money on whatever other junk they may offer....I've tried them all. LUCAS or nothing.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,177
Likes: 0
From: VALENCIA PA
This is known in the Corvette world as "Morning Sickness"....and its very common to Rack & Pinion vehicles.
However, do not be discouraged !
There is a cure for Morning Sickness !
Go to the auto parts store and demand a pt bottle of LUCAS Rack & Pinion Conditioner and sealer and the problem will go away within 30 seconds and never return. Most people that have been exposed to this product will add LUCAS to NEW PS systems to prevent anything from happening....becaue the product actually WORKS ! $9 most stores. Don;t waste your time or money on whatever other junk they may offer....I've tried them all. LUCAS or nothing.
However, do not be discouraged !
There is a cure for Morning Sickness !
Go to the auto parts store and demand a pt bottle of LUCAS Rack & Pinion Conditioner and sealer and the problem will go away within 30 seconds and never return. Most people that have been exposed to this product will add LUCAS to NEW PS systems to prevent anything from happening....becaue the product actually WORKS ! $9 most stores. Don;t waste your time or money on whatever other junk they may offer....I've tried them all. LUCAS or nothing.
the lucas stuff has fixed my pissed off pump a few times redline fluid good stuff too..
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 281
Likes: 3
From: Palm Coast FL
Thanks for the replies guys. That's the stuff I poured in 2 days ago after sneaking the turkey baster out of the kitchen to suck the old stuff out. Don't think the wife noticed 
Anyway, car has been driven only once since, and is currently awaiting my return from a biz trip. Will let you know if it fixed it.
Anyway, car has been driven only once since, and is currently awaiting my return from a biz trip. Will let you know if it fixed it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,177
Likes: 0
From: VALENCIA PA
Thanks for the replies guys. That's the stuff I poured in 2 days ago after sneaking the turkey baster out of the kitchen to suck the old stuff out. Don't think the wife noticed
Anyway, car has been driven only once since, and is currently awaiting my return from a biz trip. Will let you know if it fixed it.
Anyway, car has been driven only once since, and is currently awaiting my return from a biz trip. Will let you know if it fixed it.
My wifes turkey baster is in my garadge too!!!
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Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,660
Likes: 22
if thats the case, makes me worry that turkey baster had another use in her case, as it did with me...
Thats ok...
there was that siphon hose that i found in the bathroom cabinet. Perfect size for getting thru the unleaded flap-trap in the gas tank...but I put that back where I found it. More than I can say for her hogging the baster....
Thats ok...
there was that siphon hose that i found in the bathroom cabinet. Perfect size for getting thru the unleaded flap-trap in the gas tank...but I put that back where I found it. More than I can say for her hogging the baster....
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 281
Likes: 3
From: Palm Coast FL
OK, back to the problem at hand.....
I just discovered that if I turn the ac off, the PS works perfectly at idle. If I leave the ac on, the PS is laboring at idle, which must mean.....
ummm, if the load is reduced by turning off the ac compressor, the serpentine belt, umm, I have no idea actually. No sounds of slippage.
Anybody care to explain what is going on? Is my belt too loose? Is it slipping, with no noise? Engine has a lovely steady idle of 850rpm at idle, goes to 900 w/ac running.
I did replace the ps fluid with the Lucas stuff.
ummm, if the load is reduced by turning off the ac compressor, the serpentine belt, umm, I have no idea actually. No sounds of slippage.
Anybody care to explain what is going on? Is my belt too loose? Is it slipping, with no noise? Engine has a lovely steady idle of 850rpm at idle, goes to 900 w/ac running.
I did replace the ps fluid with the Lucas stuff.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,660
Likes: 22
I;d have to guess that at idle the engine is only producing 38hp ( guessing) and a/c running absorbs about 8hp, and all the other accessories have drag with the hydraulic pump having as much or more than anything else...
its the engine thats struggling with all that load at idle, not actually the pump. Its designed to have sufficient power to handle it all, but when you start taking power away or adding loads in 20% chunks you can more easily see or hear the effect at idle where the available power is at its lowest.
its the engine thats struggling with all that load at idle, not actually the pump. Its designed to have sufficient power to handle it all, but when you start taking power away or adding loads in 20% chunks you can more easily see or hear the effect at idle where the available power is at its lowest.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 403
Likes: 15
From: Clarksville Tennessee
I have had similar symptoms
I had opti/wp swap done and right after my car had the same PS issue. FM seems to have cleared the problem for the moment.
My PS seems to be working fine now, but I did notice recently the that AC sure puts a whomping hurt on my mpg. I had the charge checked-it was ok. But I still see a significant drop in mpg with AC on-over 10%!
My PS seems to be working fine now, but I did notice recently the that AC sure puts a whomping hurt on my mpg. I had the charge checked-it was ok. But I still see a significant drop in mpg with AC on-over 10%!
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 403
Likes: 15
From: Clarksville Tennessee
FM=F_ing Magic:no real explaination
Mine acted up for a couple of days, then disappeared with nothing changed. Kind of why this thread drew me in.
I have been thinking of a flush of the PS fluid, especially since I have no idea how long it has been in there.
I agree-there is no logic as to why the PS would be effected by an opti swap.
Anyone have ideas?
I have been thinking of a flush of the PS fluid, especially since I have no idea how long it has been in there.
I agree-there is no logic as to why the PS would be effected by an opti swap.
Anyone have ideas?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 281
Likes: 3
From: Palm Coast FL
I wondered if being on jack stands for two weeks caused a bunch of sludge to gloop into the pump, causing it to run poorly at low RPMs. But that still doesn't make sense, since it works fine without the ac running, and once I am moving all is well.
PS: sorry for the technical words used above.
PS: sorry for the technical words used above.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 785
Likes: 3
From: Richmond Virginia
If you have the old belt try it OR the correct new belt--since you didn't have the issue before the opti replacement.As far as "morning sickness" goes it comes on gradually over time--can be worse in cold weather and affects turning either left or right, but not both ways. IMO sounds like the pump pulley is slipping when first started because of the longer belt. My 2 cents
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,329
Likes: 2,256
From: Central Maryland
If you have the old belt try it OR the correct new belt--since you didn't have the issue before the opti replacement.As far as "morning sickness" goes it comes on gradually over time--can be worse in cold weather and affects turning either left or right, but not both ways. IMO sounds like the pump pulley is slipping when first started because of the longer belt. My 2 cents
Live well,
SJW
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,871
Likes: 15
From: Detroit's West Side MI
If it only happens while stationary (read: at idle), try giving it gas (while still stationary) to increase RPM. Try turning the wheel again. If more engine speed fixes it then it is an issue wtih how fast the pump is turning. That could be a slipping belt (I vote unlikely on this one) or a pump going bad.
It doesn't sound like a rack issue (gunk, seals, etc) if it works fine at cruising speeds.
It doesn't sound like a rack issue (gunk, seals, etc) if it works fine at cruising speeds.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 281
Likes: 3
From: Palm Coast FL
More Info
OK, so I ordered the OEM belt from GM and tried to fit it today. It simply will not go on. My son and I tried numerous different ways, but finally gave up and put the bigger belt back on. I had my son start the car and turn the steering wheel, and the PS pully stops. Give it some gas, and it spins again. There is no squealing from the belt, so is it slipping, just on the PS pulley? The alternator and ac keep turning....is it a ps pump going bad? When the belt is off the PS pump spins freely....Thanks for any advice.
Could the PO have installed different sized pulleys and how would I know?
Could the PO have installed different sized pulleys and how would I know?