POWER STEERING PROBLEM

[Rob A.]

Occasionally, when stationary and engine at idle, the power steering is very weak, but improves with engine speed. All the components are rebuilt and/or new. Would the pump, which is a rebuilt original, be the first item to be checked or replaced? (The fluid level is normal and there are no leaks).

[Joe R.]

Re: POWER STEERING PROBLEM

Rob,

Doesn't sound like a problem to me! A forty plus year old design doesn't work like your 2004 sedan. The engineers did not expect someone to sit still and turn the wheel at idle speed. Give that BB some gas and hit the road. You'll find the power steering quite adequate at anything above idle.

Regards,

JR

[Tony Roussos]

Re: POWER STEERING PROBLEM

Hi Rob.

Remember, it's Power ASSISTED Steering! Not true power steering.
(At least that's what I'm told.)

But seriously, how dramatic is the difference? Check the pully for trueness. (Is trueness a real word?) Also, is the steering belt snug or loose. I believe loose is defined as more than 1" of downward play from center. You can also sometimes see a loose belt "flapping" while the engine is running, especially at idle.

I hope this helps.

Tony

[Rob A.]

Re: POWER STEERING PROBLEM

I tightened up the belt a bit and applied some "belt dressing" (with the engine not running to avoid any mess) and it's fine, for now. Thanks for the reply.

[Chas Henderson #28127]

Re: POWER STEERING PROBLEM

Rob. if the problem is not belt related, I would replace the pump. What I think my be wrong with your pump is the vanes may be worn. There are 5 or six of them and they will slowly wear away. They then wont have the ability to generate enough pressure to function proberly. You can guess how I learned this. It did fix my problem.

Chasman

[Rob A.]

Re: POWER STEERING PROBLEM

Thanks, I guess a rebuilt original doesn't mean it won't still work like an old pump...