2G Steering Wheel Doesn't Return to Center

[98GSXin]

*Update*
My ball joints had ripped boots that allowed dirt to clog them up, disallowing them to move freely and return the steering wheel to center. It's a factory recall and I believe that this problem was a symptom of it, but I was too slow to catch it. The results of the ball joint failure can be found here: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/nor...aused-body-damage-need-parts-recall-info.html

I strongly caution ANYONE even SLIGHTLY experiencing this to inspect your ball joints because they may be exposed or corroded and ready to give out on you.
*------------------------------------------------*

My steering wheel is starting to act up while turning. When I make any kind of turn, the wheel will just stay in that turned position instead of returning to center. For example, I start a u-turn, but the car will just try to go in a complete circle instead of naturally straightening out.

The wheel has also become a lot more "responsive" I guess you could say. It feels like I don't have power steering at times and the wheel is kind of stiff while changing lanes, etc...

Do these symptoms point to a bad ps pump or is it more serious and possibly somewhere in my rack and pinion?

 

[PieEyedPiper]

1. Check tires for wear and proper tire pressure
2. Inspect power steering fluid level
3. Inspect power steering rack for leaks
4. Inspect all balljoints and your tierod ends for play

That's all I got right now but I'd consider not driving it until you get this figured out.

 

[98GSXin]

The direction of the turn doesn't affect it, so I don't think a tire inconsistency could cause this. I'm away from the car currently (not driving it) but I will check fluids asap. Where on the rack should I check for leaks specifically?

 

[PieEyedPiper]

I can recall that when my toe was waaaay out of whack the car would behave very awkwardly, sometimes throwing itself into slow turns with the might of a gorilla. I had just installed new tie rods though and that's why my alignment was so bad.

 

[98GSXin]

My car does list to the left a bit as well. My fluid level is fine. I'll probably go in for an alignment this weekend if I have time just to eliminate any possibility of that being an issue.

 

[98GSXin]

I hope that my experience can help save someone else. Update in the first post...