Me again. Power steering question this time.

[Szalkerous]

Before I start... Sorry for the load of tech questions lately. I'm trying to get my SVX inspectable before my grace period runs out.

I've developed an odd power steering issue. That is, a rock solid power steering after sitting. After driving it a bit, it has loosened up, but I still feel a small window of normal assistance, maybe 40 degrees worth of steering wheel, followed by what started as a pulsing solid/easy as I turned it, which has now leveled to a consistent resistance as I turn the wheel outside this "40 degree window". I notice at a dead stop often it exhibits correct assistance through the whole turn range, and at highway speeds it becomes much more difficult to turn.

No fluid loss in reservoir, no foamy fluid, no indicated leak around the pump or rack. I have never seen a power steering light on my dash. I don't know if it exists on my model, either.

This is leading me down a path of wondering about this awful speed assist "feature" of my 1994 LSi. However, as a good dubie, I did a thorough search of the whole site before posting this. Most every thread touching this topic revolves around a '92 model, which I am uncertain if it relates to a '94 LSi.

I am preparing to do the PS ring, and a fluid flush.... but I'm not so optimistic this will cure the problem.

Assuming it does not, can anyone give me any insight?