steering question

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Dec 21, 2011 | 11:20 PM

Pinski 1

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Aug 2011

Posts: 246

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From: olean ny

steering question

I have a 97 auto w/ 75k miles. When I am going into a corner hard it feels like my steering wheel catches and I really have to turn it hard into the corner to release it. It is hard to explain but it is not smooth at all. At low speeds there is no problem at all. I took my friends 04 out and it is much, much smoother turning at all speeds than mine. his even seems like it has a quicker steering ratio than mine. We have the same tires so it cant be that. Everything looks good under the hood, fluids are fine.Any input would be great. Thanks !

Dec 21, 2011 | 11:37 PM

jrose7004

Team Owner

Joined: Mar 2004

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From: Oklahoma City OK

C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019

I can certainly tel youl that my 04 coupe doesn't feel that way.

Dec 22, 2011 | 12:28 AM

m6 c5

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jun 2010

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From: Yorktown Virginia

Kinda sounds like you are losing pressure to the rack somehow.

Dec 22, 2011 | 01:56 AM

Dixiecrat

Pro

Joined: Aug 2011

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From: Lexington Kentucky

Think his steering column might be trying to lock up ? !

Dec 22, 2011 | 08:16 AM

dgrant3830

Tech Contributor

Joined: Dec 2006

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From: Van Buren Arkansas

Wounded Warrior Escort '11

Well, whatever the cause, its not normal and it sounds a bit dangerous. Pull your codes. Check the magnasteer connector and insure its plugged in from the rack to the harnesss

Dec 22, 2011 | 10:11 AM

mcm95403

Le Mans Master

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 6,882

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From: Bangkok, Thailand

Check the condition of the fluid. If it's dark or smells bad it's time to replace it. Problem there is that the pump and/or rack may have been damaged by broken down fluid not lubricating correctly. Obviously that could be costly.

It could also be belt slippage casuing the pump to lose pressure. Check to see that your belt is still in spec and not polished looking, which could let it slip.

Marc at vettenutz.net would be a great source for used replacement parts.

Dec 22, 2011 | 05:28 PM

Pinski 1

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Aug 2011

Posts: 246

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From: olean ny

There are no codes showing up at all.I checked the fluid and it seems fine. However, I purchased the car used and I have never changed the fluid. There is a good chance that it is original but with only 75k on it I didnt think it was a big deal. I changed the belt when purchased so that is in good shape. Just seeing if anyone has had a problem with the rack before.