power steering problem/question

[linksys42]

I was wondering if there would be any damage to the power steering system if I just take the belt off the PS pump for a while? The reason I want to do this is because my power steering seems to be messed up. Because it doesn’t seem to be tightening up the faster I go, for example at highway speeds it feels really slow to react and unstable when I hit a bump, not like I am loosing the power steering but like its really (mushy) for lack of a better word. Any idea what could be the problem? this is on a 99gst FWD. Thanks

 

[dewdew]

It sounds like the problem may either be loose parts (tie rods, ball joints,) or an alignment issue. Has it been lowered or any front end work done without an alignment. Lowering a car will cause excessive toe out which will cause the car to wander. It is usually more noticable at higher speeds and bumps and grooves will not help the situation. Excessive toe in will cause the car to be real darty.... it will shoot to either side when it gets the chance.