Power steering working half time

[corvetterider84]

I don't know what happened but recently my power steering will only turn one way and not the other. It takes a lot of effort to turn it one way and very little to turn it the other (i forget which way is which). Either way, I've been told that my rack may be failing me?? Is this true? I have bought some lucas power steering treatment, but I have yet to put in a whole bottle(i have only put in a small amount so far with no difference). Will this stuff work, or is it time to hit the bank account and buy a new rack?? Any help is much appreciated. Thanks.


Ryan

 

[jmccloud]

Steering Rack

Had a Buick that would do that (easy one way, difficult the other) when cold.
New rack fixed it.

 

[Mart]

Here is a thread that has some more opinions on the lucas PS fluid, including mine.

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52543

For the price vs a new rack it's worth a try.

Mart

 

[wishuwerehere82]

That sounds like you have a failure in your power steering control valve. Not a big deal to fix.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

If your rack is failing, there will be metal particles circulating in your power steering fluid reservoir when the engine is running. If you see a lot of silver stuff floating around when you pull the dipstick, the rack is worn and needs replacement.

 

[corvetterider84]

That sounds like you have a failure in your power steering control valve. Not a big deal to fix.

What exactly is the power steering control valve and where is it located? Is it an expensive item. Again the help is much appreciated.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

It's an internal component in the steering rack the controls power steering fluid flow to assist the rack in moving. When your hydraulic cylinder starts wearing, it generates metal particles whitch flow through the valve when you turn the wheel. Over time the particles abrade the seals and cause the rack valve to move one way but not the other.
Have you had this experience? If the car has been sitting for a few days, you get in and the steering wheel is frozen tight and then breaks free after you turn it back and fourth?
This caused by the metallic particles settling as a sedmunt in the steering lines and plugging the control valve temporarily until they are in suspension in the steering fluid again.
Have you checked the power steering fluid for metal particles?

 

[geekinavette]

'84s are notorious for bad steering racks. May be time to just replace it. Whichever way you go, repair or replace, make sure that the whole system is flushed completely. Its a good idea to go ahead and replace the hoses and rebuild the PS pump (its easy to do and NAPA carries a rebuild kit with new bearing).

'84s are also notorious for slipping intermediate steering shafts. With the engine off, turn the wheels back and forth a little and listen for a "squeaking" sound coming from the end of the intermediate shaft that attaches to the rack. If you hear the squeak, then your shaft is slipping. I never found a source for a replacement shaft (I don't like the design anyway), so I came up with my own fix...shoot me an Email if you need it (won't cost you anything).

Bill

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Bill,

Did your fix include a filter in the fluid path?

 

[geekinavette]

Bill,

Did your fix include a filter in the fluid path?

You mean for the slipping shaft? No, its a purely mechanical issue, nothing to do with fluid. I think I have some pictures somewhere that will explain it better...I'll see if I can dig them up.

Bill

 

[corvetterider84]

It's an internal component in the steering rack the controls power steering fluid flow to assist the rack in moving. When your hydraulic cylinder starts wearing, it generates metal particles whitch flow through the valve when you turn the wheel. Over time the particles abrade the seals and cause the rack valve to move one way but not the other.
Have you had this experience? If the car has been sitting for a few days, you get in and the steering wheel is frozen tight and then breaks free after you turn it back and fourth?
This caused by the metallic particles settling as a sedmunt in the steering lines and plugging the control valve temporarily until they are in suspension in the steering fluid again.
Have you checked the power steering fluid for metal particles?

I have had the experience where if the car has been sitting for a few days the steering wheel is frozen tight, but then breaks free after turning it back and forth. I thought nothing of it until now it just won't turn to the right, only the left. Today i sucked all the power steering fluid out of the reservoir that i could with a turkey baster. I didn't notice any metal chips in the fluid. I then proceeded to refill the reservoir with two containers of lucas power steering treatment. I topped it off with stp power steering fluid and I still have the same problem.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Sounds like you are going to need a new steering rack.

I had an '87 Lesabre(still have it) that had that problem after its fisrt year on the road. The dealer said they fixed about 4 a day on the new ones.
They are available as a whole unit for about $450.00 from local parts stores. A pain in the a$$ to break those mounting bolts loose.

 

[corvetterider84]

Sounds like you are going to need a new steering rack.

I had an '87 Lesabre(still have it) that had that problem after its fisrt year on the road. The dealer said they fixed about 4 a day on the new ones.
They are available as a whole unit for about $450.00 from local parts stores. A pain in the a$$ to break those mounting bolts loose.

What will happen if i keep driving it the way it is? I mean the steering isn't unbearable while the car is moving and I've already kinda gotten used to the fact that it is hard to steer one way. Will i do more damage to other components in the front end or can i keep driving it like this? Maybe another 2 months of driving before i park it for the winter anyway.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Let's just say it isn't going to get any better than it is at the moment. I have been trying to find a rebuild kit for you, but no luck so far.

 

[geekinavette]

It will indeed only get worse. Driving it with a known steering problem is simply dangerous and irresponsible (IMHO).

An '84 rack assembly can be had anywhere from about $180 to $250. There are two versions available, standard and the Z51 version (a little tighter turning ratio). Don't forget the hoses and PS pump.

Bill