2G Power Steering Trouble

[bo0st2]

So I recently had the power steering go out on my 95 GST & I replaced it with a used unit from eBay, it seemed to have been working well and now the steering wheel is hard to turn all of a sudden.

So I checked the tire pressure and the fluid to the power steering and that all looks good. I'm thinking it's the unit itself that has to be replaced again so I bought a refurb unit from AutoZone with a warranty but one thing I wanted to ask you guys is when we had the car up on jack stands (to fix a coolant leak) we noticed the steering wheel was really easy to turn then

It was like working properly but then we dropped the car back on the ground and the steering wheel is like next to impossible to turn without putting a good deal of effort into it, do you guys think the pump went bad?

 

[dwb]

There are two major components and I can't tell which you replaced. Pump or Rack & Pinion?
Your wheels are always going to be easy to turn with no weight on them. Doesn't mean you have power assist.
You either have no pressure from the pump (faulty pump, blockage, air in the system, no fluid) or you have a massive leak somewhere.

 

[chrisman287]

I’m going to assume there’s air stuck in the system making the wheel hard to turn. Get it up to temp, remove the cap off the reservoir and turn the wheel too full lock back and forth to each side (full lock). Add fluid as needed

 

[bo0st2]

There are two major components and I can't tell which you replaced. Pump or Rack & Pinion?
Your wheels are always going to be easy to turn with no weight on them. Doesn't mean you have power assist.
You either have no pressure from the pump (faulty pump, blockage, air in the system, no fluid) or you have a massive leak somewhere.

Thank you for the reply! I replaced the Power Steering Pump

Oh ok I didn't know that at all. I'm going to check for leaks thanks!

I’m going to assume there’s air stuck in the system making the wheel hard to turn. Get it up to temp, remove the cap off the reservoir and turn the wheel too full lock back and forth to each side (full lock). Add fluid as needed

Thanks for the reply! By get it up to temp you mean just start the car & let it sit for a bit right?

 

[bo0st2]

If it's not the pump then it's likely the Rack & Pinion right guys?

 

[dwb]

If it's not the pump then it's likely the Rack & Pinion right guys?

As long as no blockage or line leaks. The rack is just a glorified hydraulic cylinder, so usually they just leak. Check for oil inside the bellow boots of the rack.

 

[TerminalTalon]

The wheel is easy to turn off the ground because there is no resistance on the tires so no resistance in the steering.
Are you saying that the new pump after the eBay one didn’t fix the issue?

 

[bo0st2]

The wheel is easy to turn off the ground because there is no resistance on the tires so no resistance in the steering.
Are you saying that the new pump after the eBay one didn’t fix the issue?

Correct the issue isn't resolved, the car needs additional work.

 

[TerminalTalon]

I’d check the hoses and keep on checking everything else. Fluid level, condition of hoses, suspension, tierods.

 

[bo0st2]

I’d check the hoses and keep on checking everything else. Fluid level, condition of hoses, suspension, tierods.

Will be swapping out the rack & tie-rods soon.