Need c4 Advice!

[RedRagTop]

Hello all! Just had the car out for a few rides this year, got a couple nice days out of this ice-age winter finally. Noted steering getting a bit notchy last year before storage. Flushed power steering fluid a week ago, fairly dark/discolored. Now steering seems to be getting stiffer and notchier (?) than ever, will even bind a bit at slow speed crawls at low RPM. Is this likely to be a power steering pump packing it in or as my wrench suggests the rack&pinion on its way out? Car has about 60,000 miles and as far as I know original steering parts. Advice?:confused

 

[95ZR1#418]

My '88 Z51 started loosing power steering fluid as well as your symptoms. It ended up being the rack which went out. I replaced it with one from MAD or Ecklers and no problem sence. Had about 80K miles on it, other than that no problems with car yet.

 

[WhalePirot]

Same here. It was okay once I went lock to lock after each cold start.

Needed a rack.

 

[Utah]

what did it cost to replace the rack? i noticed this problem myself.....

 

[Moonunit 451]

What was that about global warming . I'm starting to notice something a little wierd too. Damn, I don't want to replace the rack . I gotta bunch of other stuff I'd rather be doing

 

[RedRagTop]

Global warming? Just a conspiracy to get us up here to sign on to things like Kyoto. Going to -25C again here tonight!:nono Enough already! Yes, my power steering was leaking at the reservoir but just needed clamp tightened. I guess the rack, she must be changedad Oh well, by the time I'm done I will have damn near a new car. How much for the rack&pinion job?

 

[jsinga]

Last Detail has Delco rebuilt racks for @$225 or so.
don't get a cheap rebuild they dont replace anything they dont have to.
The stiffness is morning sickness, notorious in 80's GM racks.
Takes a Saturday to change one out. The manuals give a decent idea to go by. You need a 18mm wrench to get the steering hoses off.
Might go ahead and get the outer tie rod ends too.

JS

 

[oldace84]

When I purchased my vette in 1992, the first thing I had to replace was the rack and pinion.....car had 74k on it at the time....
Cured all my problems...
tony

 

[oldace84]

Sorry also forgot to tell you I had to replace the rear bearings....not that they were giving me problems...but just preventative maintance....
Just my thoughts....
tony

 

[RedRagTop]

Thanks for the feedback everyone! I guess it is a problem inherent to the model and miles. I guess I will do the core-in and new rack (quality) put on. Should be good for a while after that...

 

[billd]

I can understand the reluctance to use Autozone parts but they have this rack for $137 with a lifetime warranty and you can get it right away.