Power Steering Help! ??

[fastglass95]

I have a small problem with the power steering on a 96 LT1.

When warm, the steering is normal EXCEPT when you stop and drop down to idle speed or come to a stop sign or whatever. Then the steering effort increases dramaticaly, you notice it very much when parking.

I've tried replacing the fluid, no help, old fluid looked OK anyway.
Fluid level is fine
No leaks anywhere.
only 25,000 miles on the car.
Belt is brand new and tensioned correctlly, does not appear to slip.

When cold, you will not notice it as much, idle must be slightly higher.

Seems like pump pressure is too low at idle when hot.

Could the pump be going bad already?

Any input would be appreciated,
Thanks,

 

[69MyWay]

Sounds like a bad or sticking check valve in the pump or in the rack. It is hard to tell for sure which one is the problem.

I fully flushed the system on my 90 after dealing with the same exact problem during spirited autocross adventures. I replaced all the fluid with the valvoline synthetic fluid. It now purrrrrs like a kitten even after extreme duty use. You may simply need to go back and really flush it well.

I basically took the return line lose from the resevior. I then routed it to a catch tank. I kept filling fluid through with the engine running and wheels turning left to right until the fluid going into the catch tank was all new clear shinny stuff.

I then reconnected the return line to the tank/resevior and topped off the fluid level.

 

[fastglass95]

Thanks Chris

That sounds reasonable. It is most noticable when autocrossing and the fluid is hot. You come back to park in the pits or get in line for another run and must really muscle up on the steering wheel !

If you flush the way you describe:
1) About how much fluid would you need? 2 quarts? more?
2) Doesn't it come out the return line like "really fast"?
3) Did you have the front wheels off the ground during this procedure?

Thanks again,

 

[69MyWay]

Re: Thanks Chris

If you flush the way you describe:
1) About how much fluid would you need? 2 quarts? more?

I went through just under two

2) Doesn't it come out the return line like "really fast"?

Yep, pretty fast, the whole procedure only took me about five minutes

3) Did you have the front wheels off the ground during this procedure?

Yes, I jacked the nose up so that I could turn the wheels full lock left to right several times to make sure it pumped it all out.