power steering issue
 

I started my car the other day and ever since my power steering seems to be half working driving and shifting lanes isnt bad a little stiff but at lower speeds like in a parking lot its WAYYY stiffer like it just wont work.
also get a whine when turning the wheel

any clue?

Re: power steering issue
 

How old are your belts?

You may want to check out the crank pulley, look if it's showing any signs of separation.
Paint a line on it across the layers, after it runs, see if the line is still in one piece.

Re: power steering issue
 

first off check your fluid level (remove the screen).If it's low it could be leaking from a hose or your steering rack. If all that's ok the winning could be the power steering pump.

Re: power steering issue
 

level's fine we're thinking its the pump, i'm thinking to try flushing the lines but i dont think that will do much will it?

Re: power steering issue
 

I'm guessing the O-ring in the pump tank. Look in the how-to docs to see how it is done. I wouldn't do anything before I check that out. It makes the steering stiff, makes noise, and lots of other problems. I would bet that is the problem. Good luck. :)

Re: power steering issue
 

would a faulty o-ring really cause that kind of an issue with the steering?
wow... talk about the straw that broke the camel's back lol

Re: power steering issue
 

It is rather a weird fault and hard to accept. The strange thing is that when a faulty ring leaks, air enters but there is no significant leaking of fluid. Things go haywire when valves within the system are unable to cope with air in the fluid.

The first symptom is usually a high pitched sort of squeak/wine at full lock or when the pump is delivering full pressure. This appears to result from a valve chattering, but as I understand it this has not been absolutely confirmed.

The good thing is that it is a very easy and cheap fix and certainly should be tried before embarking on anything more expensive. :)

Re: power steering issue
 

Also, don't overlook the obvious.

Make sure the belt is in good condition and that it's tight
enough - change it if in doubt.

The belt is under more load in a parking lot then when driving.

Re: power steering issue
 

I had the tight steering and whine at slow speeds too. I replaced the o-ring(put one in as mine was completely gone), and no more problems. Works great now.

Re: power steering issue
 

It is hard to believe that such a little part (O-Ring) could cause so much problems. The good thing as Trevor said - it is cheap and easy to replace and the best thing to replace before doing anything that is more expensive. :) I have seen some very bad problems fixed by doing this. ;)