Heavy steering

[thehsvmanv6]

Hey. I'm just alittle curious about my VP Commodore's steering . It's got power steering and the pump is full with power steering fluid, yet I find the Commodore's power steering to be quite heavy except on a hot day when it is alittle lighter. I'm not really sure if this is normal or not, but I've been thinking about getting a wheel alignment done since I have not had one done since I bought the car about 6 months ago. Also note that the Commodore is stock with stock 15" Chaser rims and tyres, although I have installed a sports steering wheel.

I just hope that this will help free up the required steering effort alittle, but if anyone else has any other suggestions or similar thoughts, then please share.

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

The sports wheel will make it a little heavier as it has a smaller diameter. Does your pump make a noise? Also check your tyre pressures. The alignment being out may affect it if it has a heap of negative camber, VP's run negative camber anyway but if it is more that -1 degree then it will be heavier. The condition of the fluid will make a difference too, if it is brown and foams quite a bit then it would pay to change it.

[Keesh]

mines like that since i had my accident.. the camber on the front is leaning in at the top maybe? a good way to tell is if u take a look under the bonnet at the strut towers, u will see if the rubber has cracked or moved were the strut bolts in.. is the car dumped or stock? if blocked the pump should whine a bit so im guessing everythings flowing ok.. if your any good with tools u can drain it by taking off th bottom of the high pressure hose at the rack and refreshing the oil..

[thehsvmanv6]

My car is stock apart from interior. I suspect that the previous owner mounted or ran over something, and that may have knocked the steering/camber out. The power steering pump drones when I turn at very low speeds (0-35km/h), and if I was to get it pumped professionally, how much would it cost roughly?

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

Flushing the system I would guess around $40-$50. Get the alignment checked as well. I have seen ball joints seize up making the steering heavier but thats not very common.

[calais_cruzin]

Mite be power steer racks are gone, n it cant get enough boost.

Mine has done it atm, 350 for racks but i have variatronic, so htere more.

Id check for leaks around the racks, back of motor, arms that extend to wheels from motor.

[porscheboxster]

I've got the exact same problem with my SV Clubsport. When i purchased the car the steering rack was replaced as part of the RWC, so it can't be the rack. Could my system simply be blocked as there is no sign of leaks whatsoever