legacycentral bbs

I was having difficulty turning the wheel at certain times. Usually when going in a straight line for awhile, it wouldn't want to move from the centered position. Also, when making turns, I had to manually turn it back to position because it wouldn't return to center at all, just continue the way it was going.

So I flushed my fluid, it did magic for it. Turned way better than when I bought the car. Less than a week later, its just as bad to turn.

Anyone got any clues?

I'm probably going to do a more thorough flush tomorrow..run a couple quarts through it of Dexron III, instead of off the shelf "Power Steering Fluid". Dunno if it'll make a difference.

a really bad ball joint or even a tie rod end can cause these symptoms as well. Check them out especially the condition of the boots.

If you have a rack issue its definitely my advice to change the whole rack, its less than the parts for a nice, late model GT rack (I paid less than $100 ultimately)

You were running "Power Steering Fluid" in it? Isn't it supposed to be ATF?

Or are they the same thing?

Its the same thing roughly, I think.

The ball joints look good to me, I did smack a curb with the right wheel, had it looked at by a shop and was given an alignment by them. They said nothing was bent.

But if it was something with the rack..why would it go away with a P/S flush then come back?

Did you check to see if you're leaking ps fluid from somewhere?

there's no leak because the fluid is at the level its supposed to be.

Update:

I flushed the fluid again and tightened the belt some. It was fine again, then as soon as it got warm outside again it came back?

It seems to be fine when its cold out..when its warm it sucks. Any ideas?

Something's expanding? Could too much fluid cause it?

The fluid levels are good..I tightened the belt, didn't do anything, I loosened the belt, didn't do anything. I don't know..

DeusExMachina,

It appears I have the same symptoms that you do. Have you been able to figure out a solution yet?

Thanks

I believe its a sign of ball joints that are going or degreased. I greased my ball joints (with white lithium grease spray) and the symptoms have been gone since. Try your luck.

Thanks DeusExMachina.
But how were you able to apply the grease to the ball joints without them having any grease fittings?

Find ball joint. Spray with grease like crazy...turn wheel one way to lock, repeat. Turn other way to lock, repeat. Do same on other ball joint.

They're just kind of sitting there in the open.

Aren't they supposed to have dust boots?