Power Steering

[jb513]

My power steering has started to get hard at times like the engine wasn’t on. I took some fluid out of the reservoir because it was to full and put in some conditioner when I refilled it. That has made a difference but it still gets a heavy feel sometimes. Is there such a thing as a sensor for the “speed sensitive” steering or am I witnessing the end of the pump? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[RF Overlord]

The u-joint in the intermediate steering shaft lives right next to the driver's side exhaust manifold. It tends to get dried out and stiff. Try soaking it in WD40...worked for me.

[Krytin]

Flushing the fluid helped smooth things out for me but the "u" joints should be looked at as well.
Good luck w/the fix!

[vegasmarauder]

If none of that helps. there is an electric valve on top of the steering rack that controls the line pressure. More pressure at slow speeds and less pressure at faster speeds to give more steering feel. If this valve stops working correctly, you can get hard feel at idle and/or easy feel at speed. They also start to leak wth age.

Only real way to test them is with a pressure guage on the line pressure. The pressure is controlled by the steering control module (black module located behind the glove box about the size of a large deck of cards. Has a wire connector in it. (by the way, cheap way to increase steering feel on a regular GM/CV is to swap in a MM or police car control module).

Usually will get intermittant hard/soft steering with a slugish valve. I think the default position is for it to be full open so no heavy steering feel at speed. On one MM I bought new, the wire had been damaged when the power steering pump was installed at the factory. Had it fixed under warranty.

[jb513]

Thanks for the info. I did look at and soak the U-joints but I'll try the flush and look at the control valve mod. Thanks again guy's!!