Help! Hard Steering

[wingman@bbc.net]

I'm a new owner of a 1996 Collectors Edition with the LT4 and the Z51 suspension package. Im a first time Corvette owner so I'm not up to speed yet on all of the fobiles of the C4. My problem with this otherwist near perfect specimen is the steering. Frequently when starting to enter a turn, especially a tight turn at slower speeds, the steering is very still, almost like no poeer steering, Then it will suddenly "break loose" (best way I can describe it) and exhibit normal power steering characteristics. This will also happen on high speed sweepers and when it "breaks loose" things can get a bit interesting because it happens so sudden it is almost like over correction. I've checked the P/S fluid level and it is OK. The fluid appears clean and does not smell burned. There are no leaks. I'm suspecting a bad steering rack. Is this a common problem and is there any fix other than replacing the rack?

 

[gmjunkie]

I'm a new owner of a 1996 Collectors Edition with the LT4 and the Z51 suspension package. Im a first time Corvette owner so I'm not up to speed yet on all of the fobiles of the C4. My problem with this otherwist near perfect specimen is the steering. Frequently when starting to enter a turn, especially a tight turn at slower speeds, the steering is very still, almost like no poeer steering, Then it will suddenly "break loose" (best way I can describe it) and exhibit normal power steering characteristics. This will also happen on high speed sweepers and when it "breaks loose" things can get a bit interesting because it happens so sudden it is almost like over correction. I've checked the P/S fluid level and it is OK. The fluid appears clean and does not smell burned. There are no leaks. I'm suspecting a bad steering rack. Is this a common problem and is there any fix other than replacing the rack?

Welcome to CAC!! You need to change the fluid in the power steering and add 1/2(6oz) bottle of Lucas Power Steering Conditioner and Stop Leak!!It will fix it in 50 miles or less,Most cases it will fix it Immediately!!

http://www.lucasoil.com/products/display_products.sd?iid=28&catid=2&loc=show

 

[So Bay Vetter]

Please let us know if Junk's advice pans out. I had the exact same problem after track day. Blew P/S pump & pressure line from pump to rack. I've changed Pump once myself but I understand they are a weak point under extream driving (like track day). FYI they don't make new pumps or hoses for 96 any more. Good luck! I hope Junk is right and the Lucas fluid works for you

 

[Hib Halverson]

Welcome to CAC!! You need to change the fluid in the power steering and add 1/2(6oz) bottle of Lucas Power Steering Conditioner and Stop Leak!!It will fix it in 50 miles or less,Most cases it will fix it Immediately!!

http://www.lucasoil.com/products/display_products.sd?iid=28&catid=2&loc=show

I'm sorry but that's rediculous.

If you have a problem with the steering rack or the power assist with symptoms such as discussed in the lead post of this thread, no pour-in additive, much less a usless product like what most of Lucas Oil's concontions are, will help.

If the system is leaking, the proper way to proceed is to fix the leak rather than adding chemicals with alter the condition of worn out seals. Leave the "conditioner/stop leak" products for people with fifty-dollar, beater Cavaliers. Corvettes need to be properly serviced and maintained.

The first thing to do is get the FSM and read its information on troubleshooting the power steering.

Then, I'd inspect the steering linkage and front suspension for any problems that might cause the steering to bind. Don't forget to look at the u-joints in the steering shaft.

If you don't find anything there, I'd carefully check the operation of the rack and the steering pump. If you find something faulty, replace as necessary.

Remember, worn suspension parts, screwed up tires and bad alignment can cause trouble with steering.

If the problem is strictly fluid-related, you don't need any additives or other sillyness like that. I'd flush and refil the system. Use either the OE GM power steering fluid or a good synthetic such as Red Line's Steering Fluid. If you race the car or regularly drive in very hot weather a premium synthetic steering fluid will improve durability.

Most people never change steering fluid but, guess what...for best durability you need to do that because the system has no filter. I'd do it every 3yrs/36,000 miles.

 

[muddywaters]

Well, I used Lucas in my 88 Vette power steering and the pump moan went away and steering effort got easier. I put Lucas Gas Treatment in the 88's gas tank, clicking injectors quieted down and it runs beautifully. I think I get it though, Lucas product's don't work and Redline products do. I also use Redline products. I think some one is bias because he could profit from Redline????? Not wanting to hear that the other guys product works is , well, you fill in the blanks........................

 

[wingman@bbc.net]

Lucal worked

Thanks to those who replied. I did not mean to start a "flame" war here, just trying to get some advice. Reminds me of the forums for Honda Goldwings that I used to read. To start the worlds largest "flame" war all you had to do was ask what oil was the best for the Goldwing. Anyway-- I flushed the P/S system ysing the procedure outlined in Richard Newton's excellent book 101 Projects for your Corvette 1984-1996, then added a bottle of the Lucas product and topped it off with fresh P/S fluid. The change was immediate and successful. After driving about a 100 miles on some great twisty roads in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the problem disappeared. It now remains to be seen if this is a long term solution or not. At any rate it was a lot cheaper fix than throwing expensive parts e.g. a rebuilt steering rack, at it. If it doesn't work long term, all I'm out is a few bucks for the fluid and an hor of my time. At any rate, thanks for the imput everyone.

 

[gmjunkie]

Thanks to those who replied. I did not mean to start a "flame" war here, just trying to get some advice. Reminds me of the forums for Honda Goldwings that I used to read. To start the worlds largest "flame" war all you had to do was ask what oil was the best for the Goldwing. Anyway-- I flushed the P/S system ysing the procedure outlined in Richard Newton's excellent book 101 Projects for your Corvette 1984-1996, then added a bottle of the Lucas product and topped it off with fresh P/S fluid. The change was immediate and successful. After driving about a 100 miles on some great twisty roads in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the problem disappeared. It now remains to be seen if this is a long term solution or not. At any rate it was a lot cheaper fix than throwing expensive parts e.g. a rebuilt steering rack, at it. If it doesn't work long term, all I'm out is a few bucks for the fluid and an hor of my time. At any rate, thanks for the imput everyone.

No problem!!I service the P/S systems on every 1 of my personal vehicles in this manor approximately at every 50,000 miles!! My Inventory get serviced in this manor regardless of age or miles before they go on the lot, regardless if there is a problem or not!! Unlike other dealers,ALL are actually Serviced and Inspected Bumper to Bumper personally by me,All options WORK and FUNCTION 100% or they will before before it's put up for sale!!
I have several SATISFIED customers on this sight and other sights too,and have helped 100's of enthusiasts with solving there Vetting and Classic vehicle problems,they'll tell you that I will certainly try to steer you in the right direction!! I'm sure that you will find the problem is solved!!

Some of us just Write about it,Others Actually do the Repairs!!

 

[KOPBET]

Some of us just Write about it,Others Actually do the Repairs!!

I'll bet your repairs are better than his spelling.

 

[Ghost]

Some of us just Write about it,Others Actually do the Repairs!!

Took the words right off of my keyboard Junk.

What's the harm of trying the Lucas oil? It worked. The gentleman already stated the system was not leaking, so leaking obviously was not the issue.

I'll be interested in hearing how the repair holds up. BTW Junk, how many years have you been wrenching Corvettes? I'm sure it's a ridiculous amount of years, eh?....

 

[jimijam95]

Thanks to those who replied. I did not mean to start a "flame" war here, just trying to get some advice. Reminds me of the forums for Honda Goldwings that I used to read. To start the worlds largest "flame" war all you had to do was ask what oil was the best for the Goldwing. Anyway-- I flushed the P/S system ysing the procedure outlined in Richard Newton's excellent book 101 Projects for your Corvette 1984-1996, then added a bottle of the Lucas product and topped it off with fresh P/S fluid. The change was immediate and successful. After driving about a 100 miles on some great twisty roads in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the problem disappeared. It now remains to be seen if this is a long term solution or not. At any rate it was a lot cheaper fix than throwing expensive parts e.g. a rebuilt steering rack, at it. If it doesn't work long term, all I'm out is a few bucks for the fluid and an hor of my time. At any rate, thanks for the imput everyone.

Hi, and glad things seam to be better... You can TRUST me on this one, GMJUNKIE is the best tech man on a Vette that I've met. His work is impeccable, I know he fixed my 93 LT-1 and haven't had a moments problem since, and he'll go out of his way to help you out if you're in a pinch !!!

 

[jimijam95]

Took the words right off of my keyboard Junk.

What's the harm of trying the Lucas oil? It worked. The gentleman already stated the system was not leaking, so leaking obviously was not the issue.

I'll be interested in hearing how the repair holds up. BTW Junk, how many years have you been wrenching Corvettes? I'm sure it's a ridiculous amount of years, eh?....

I'd bet it's more years than you be on this planet !!!

 

[KOPBET]

.. and he'll go out of his way to help you out if you're in a pinch !!!

I'll second that. He'll even give you his phone number to talk about your Vette issues. No charge.

 

[jimijam95]

He's the best money can buy, and doesn't charge for tech advice

I'm sorry but that's rediculous.

If you have a problem with the steering rack or the power assist with symptoms such as discussed in the lead post of this thread, no pour-in additive, much less a usless product like what most of Lucas Oil's concontions are, will help.

If the system is leaking, the proper way to proceed is to fix the leak rather than adding chemicals with alter the condition of worn out seals. Leave the "conditioner/stop leak" products for people with fifty-dollar, beater Cavaliers. Corvettes need to be properly serviced and maintained.

The first thing to do is get the FSM and read its information on troubleshooting the power steering.
Then, I'd inspect the steering linkage and front suspension for any problems that might cause the steering to bind. Don't forget to look at the u-joints in the steering shaft.

If you don't find anything there, I'd carefully check the operation of the rack and the steering pump. If you find something faulty, replace as necessary.

Remember, worn suspension parts, screwed up tires and bad alignment can cause trouble with steering.

If the problem is strictly fluid-related, you don't need any additives or other sillyness like that. I'd flush and refil the system. Use either the OE GM power steering fluid or a good synthetic such as Red Line's Steering Fluid. If you race the car or regularly drive in very hot weather a premium synthetic steering fluid will improve durability.

Most people never change steering fluid but, guess what...for best durability you need to do that because the system has no filter. I'd do it every 3yrs/36,000 miles.

And that's your opinion, I'll put my money on the GMJUNKIE !!! he is the BEST man I've found to diagnose and repair Vette's this side of the Mississippi !!!

 

[vett boy]

There are many of us that consider Junkie one of the two best on practical corvette knowlege( the other is "the specialist") on this forum.The thing about Junk is that he's honest and he really cares.I couldn't imagine a better person for overall hands on ability.Those that know him consider him a good friend.

I think Hib should learn table manners.

 

[bradfordsvettes]

I have also used lucas products with success the p/s additive does work and I have seen benefits with the injector additive. I sure hope his post was to check that there are no safteyhnoes related issues that need attention like p/s pumpshaft failure or other saftey issues.what is a little snake oil:ugh if it works imho . have worked on cars as a gm tech for 36 years and would try anything once and twice if I liked it Steve

 

[Hib Halverson]

(snip)

I think Hib should learn table manners.

Oh, for crissakes. What a bunch of children!

I never said anything personal about GMJunkie, I just said that the idea that you can repair a binding or inconsistent power assist with a pour-in additive is a ridiculous idea.

I realize that GMJunkie has quite a flock here on the CAC and might be one of the best service techs active on this site, but that still doesn't negate the fact that, based on the symptoms listed in the first post, pouring in some Lucas concotion is not going to repair that power steering.

As for Lucas Oil....man...you talk about a product that is well-marketed and over-hyped. For gosh sakes, people, if you are using the correct lubricants or fluids and you properly maintain the systems in which they are in, you don't need pour-in additives, Lucas or otherwise.

If you want to read more about the effectiveness of such products, take a look at the "Bob is the Oil Guy" site. I'll admit the name is silly, but that web site is one of the better resources on the web about engine oils and other lubricants. Specfically, see this page covering Lucas "Oil Heavy Duty Oil Stabilizer": http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/images/lucas/lucas.htm

The idea that Lucas uses the term "Stablizer" in the brand name is hilarous.

I wouldn't add Lucas to the lubricants or fluids in any car I own.

 

[vetteboy86]

I sat in on one of c4c5specialists tech seminars back at the very first cruise fest. I had the same issue with my steering as mentioned in this thread. His suggestion was to flush the system and add new GM fluid. The problem didn't go away, but it became less noticeable and less severe.

 

[bradfordsvettes]

Hib there was no malice in my post . you also have to understand most people here have no mechanical background and have to rely on people like you and I for correct information :confused. It is just like the low zinc oil debate there a tons of opinions there too opinions are like a--holes everyone has one and most of them stink!. the marketing is borderline at best and most additive are just snake oil not much more than a kerosene derivative with colors added there are some products out there that I would give a second lookto but that is only my opinion Steve

 

[muddywaters]

Well, How can you tout one brand then????? Whether real or imagined, I got results with both Lucas/Redline products. I think we should all go with KY for a little stress relief. otfl By the way, I've had Vette's and did my own work for 35 yrs., I don't need much help, but I don't think I know it all, and I'm open to someone else's life experiences................

 

[muddywaters]

And to add, I went with Hib's advice on the Redline Trans. lube on my 88 4+3 and it shift's like butter. I don't care who make's it, if it work's I"ll use it. Hype ? Everything is hyped.........