advise on hard power steering when turning
 

I just replaced both front wheel bearings because they were making a grinding sound and trying to turn the steering wheel in either direction when stopped or a low speed was like not having power steering. Driving at speed on the road, the steering feels a little heavier but still have power steering. Should I look at the power steering pump or at the steering rack. This is for a 95 LSi w/electronic power steering pump and steering rack not the same as the lower SVX models.

Re: advise on hard power steering when turning
 

I had a problem with very stiff steering. I replaced pump, didnt help, mine was the ujoint on steerig shaft was froze up. You could spray some penetrating oil on the joint see if it helps any. Mine was froze. Itook it off heated with torch and dropped it in transmission fluid, freed it up immediately.

Re: advise on hard power steering when turning
 

Thanks for the info. We are experiencing the Arctic Vortex w/-20 degree wind chill so I'll check it out when it warms up. Thanks

Re: advise on hard power steering when turning
 

Very cold, -7 here right now, dont know what it is with wind chill.

Re: advise on hard power steering when turning
 

Looks kike it's the rack/pinon. last time I had to replace, I purchased a steering rack from Parts Geek at a very reasonable price of about $250+ but now it's about $325 w/same refundable core charge. Anyone have less expensive source?

Re: advise on hard power steering when turning
 

My '92 had similar symptoms. Very stiff at parking and slow speeds and nearly normal on the highway. The problem was a broken wire on the speed sensitive steering. I looked under the dash on the drivers side and found a wire dangling. When I reconnected it my steering returned to normal. This was many years ago so I don't recall details on wire colors etc.
If you already replaced the rack and pinion it should not have failed again. They should last at least 100,000 miles plus.

Re: advise on hard power steering when turning
 

Thanks for the tip, I'll check under the dash for a loose wire. I have replaced the steering rack on my other SVX w/over 200 miles so the racks are for 2 different cars. When I did the other replacement, I was toying w/the idea of swapping in the quick ratio rack from the 2005 STI but since I have the LSi w/speed sensitive steering, I decided to stay w/the SVX system for ease of installation and cost. I 've been curious if I made the right decision so if anyone has made the swap to STI steering, please add your recommendations on the swap.