Power Steering Problem

[Shell77]

Hi I Have a power steering problem, it's hard to steer! there is still full fluid in the resivor and no leaks, it appears ok when driving exept that the power steering doesnt work as well as it used to at low speeds like parking, I have blead the PS taking the front off the ground and turning a few times with the car off & on, after doing this it appeared to work a lot better but still a little hard to steer when parking should I try the above again?, is it safe to drive? would you know what the problem is and the cost to fix?

[db_notso]

are your tyres flat (sounds stupid you would be surprised though)

tighten all hose clamps you can get to if they suck air in it will feel better just after bleeding but get worse again later

if shudder in nuetral when turning could be rack valves (new rack)
or strut top bearings and bushes
or pump worn out
or need "shudder pipes" (talk to a holden dealer/supplier)

is there any leaks from the power steering rack itself? (replace rack) likely seals catching on bore of rack

does it feel like normal steering if you bring the revs higher (nuetral stopped) compare to another car if possible
if it does suspect power steering pump valve is sticking or pump fins worn out

OH if no shudder or noises but is hard to steer only when going really slow it may just need a good wheel alignment
too much toe out can cause a hard to steer feeling at low speeds and touchy steering at high speeds

[Darcon666]

If it's the Rack....then a New/Reco Rack, if you can find one would be between $300-350(E.g. A VT-->VZ = VT Ser (II),VX,VU & CV8 POWER STEER RACK (Complete))
You will also need to do you wheel alingment as well.

If it's the Power Steering Pump >$90-120(VS,VT,VX,VY -WH & WK FULL RECO POWER STEER PUMP)

Good luck

P.S Power steering pump is the easy one to replace

[Shell77]

No I don't think the tyers are flat, I have a pix in my profile, the car front end has been lowered do you think that has anything to do with it? I will check the rest of info that you have put up!

[db_notso]

looking at photo!~ clean
those tyres should have at least 36 psi in them FYI ...

[Shell77]

ok I will check the tyres the next time I go to the servo, do you think it's ok to drive with the Pwr Strng like this?

[db_notso]

as long as it isnt going to cause an accident at speed!~
if its heavy when driving thats bad if its just carpark speeds then probably okay just be careful leave lots of room and go slow~!

[Shell77]

ok will do thanks heaps! I'm just using it to go from A to B, & only if I have to.

[Shell77]

Hi again, It dosen't shudder in nuetral when turning, but I can hear a knocking sound (not very loud but enough to notice) when driving over bumps! & the PS Resivor is still full so don't think there is any leaks!

[db_notso]

check link pins or just open bonnet and bounce car and see if its something obvious like from top of strut bolts