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Topic: Steering problems (Read 1300 times) previous topic - next topic

Steering problems

I have an 88 and recently my  steering went out. Yes I checked the fluid it was good, I replaced the pump and it still does it. If I jack the car off the ground it turns fines, no evidence of binding, but when it is on the ground it is hard as hell to turn? Does anyone have a clue. I thought about removing the rack and replacing it with one from a mustang, but not really sure.

I also bled the cylinders from the hydraulic line on the rack and have good flow and no air. I am stummped anyone ever have this problem?

Mike

You can send your replays to mjames5@sbcglobal.net or michael.l.james4@navy.mil

Steering problems

Reply #1 –
That is a weird one.  Check for seized up lower ball joints.  You can check that by jacking one side up, taking the outer tie rod end off, and try turning the spindle by hand.
Matt :tg:

Steering problems

Reply #2 –
I'll try that this weekend, I would think if it is binding than I would hear it or fell it when it was in the air, but hey I've seen wierd thing before.

Steering problems

Reply #3 –
If it steers OK with the wheels in the air, problem isn't in the ball joints...

Sounds like a failed rotary valve in the rack, only solution is replace the rack...
 

Steering problems

Reply #4 –
Quote from: TurboCoupe50;224925
If it steers OK with the wheels in the air, problem isn't in the ball joints...

Sounds like a failed rotary valve in the rack, only solution is replace the rack...


That is a really good possibility too.  I have never seen a rack fail in that way, but its very possible.  I was just going off of my own experience, where with the wheels off the ground, the pump was able to overcome binding ball joints, but when the weight of the car was on them, it had a lot of trouble turning.  Weirdest part was that they were not noisy.
Matt :tg: