power steering going?

[pumm3l]

I did some searching and it seems like when the power steering pump starts to die it starts to make all kinds of groaning noises.

My pump is pretty quiet no more noisy than usual but this morning my steering started feeling strange if I leave the steering wheel centered(foward) and try to turn it either right or left it feels like it's caught up on something then once i turn the wheel passed that point ('bout quarter of an inch either way) it's fine.... if I have the wheel turned fully right or left and turn it to the opposite direction I don't feel this "catch" point only if I center the wheel do I feel it.....

No loss of fluid, steering rack appears to be fine no cranks or holes in any of the boots......if I turn the wheel with the car off and no power steering it feels solid no out of the ordinary play, so that's why i was thinking power steering..... any suggestions before I go out and buy a new pump?

 

[Red2000GT]

Could be 2 things. Check to make sure nothing it hitting the steering shaft causing some drag when it's on center. If not then it's most likely the rack itself.

 

[pumm3l]

i put the car up on jack stands yesterday and visually inspected and I don't recall noticing anything that would be interfering with the shaft.

If it is the steering rack wouldn't I be able to feel it even with the car turned off (no power steering) ?

Also while I had it up on jack stands I turned the wheel quickly left and right and it didn't feel like anything out of the ordinary.

 

[nyuk98gt]

pumm3l:

You can try "bleeding" the system. The Haynes manual has a nice little write-up; I will paraphrase:

1. Put the front of the car on jackstands.
2. Confirm p/s reservoir is full to the cold mark.
3. Start the engine (wheels straight).
4. Turn the steering wheel right then left and repeat but do not hit the stops (i.e.--don't go full lock left or right). Do this a few times.
5. Return the wheels to the straight position.
6. Stop the engine, remove the car from the jackstands, and road test.

If this does not do the trick, then the rack may be failing.

Good luck.

HTH,

Chris

 

[03ghoststang]

check to see if you have an internal leak and the fluid is not being trapped in the bellow boot if it is then you need a new rack & pinion

 

[pumm3l]

check to see if you have an internal leak and the fluid is not being trapped in the bellow boot if it is then you need a new rack & pinion

you can elaborate a little more on this? if I had a leak wouldn't I notice the fluid being low? can you describe the bellow boot i found this image on ebay:

which is the bellow boot?

Thanks for help.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

How old is your serpentine belt. There's the odd chance it could be contaminated with oil, or it's worn enough that it's slipping. Have you noticed any excessive belt dust on the pulleys, or in that general area?

 

[03ghoststang]

the black boot that is cooneted to the tie rod end and the rack itself

 

[pumm3l]

Finally got around to fixing this. It was the steering rack.