sometimes the wheel doesn't wanna turn!

[llamaking122]

so sometimes when im driving the steering wheel doesnt wanna keep turning it like "gets hooked on something" thats the easiest was to describe it.it was while i was turning also. my dad thinks it could just be sumtin out of alignment, but he doesnt know for sure

 

[SHOtimer]

Hows the level and quality of your p/s fluid?

Is the steering rack in your vehicle original?

Doug

 

[llamaking122]

idk bout the steering rack. really dunno what it is lol and p/s lvl is good. dunno bout quality but this car just sat for a month ad didnt do it before this. also i notice a clicking/grinding sounds when im backing up and turn it to the left while backing up

 

[SHOtimer]

Well, your p/s fluid should be full as indicated on the resivour cap, and it should be a perfectly clear red (it is ATF fluid).

You should probably try to change the fluid...but this is indicating that your rack probably needs to be replaced.

..I assume this is on your ATX.

Doug

 

[llamaking122]

No the atx is my dads this is the 92

 

[llamaking122]

The p/s fluid is pretty dirty

 

[1993MTXSHO]

My 94 does this same thing, and I think it's either my bad strut mounts or the destroyed strut bearings. I'm replacing that stuff this weekend so I'll find out if that's the problem and try to remember to report back here.

 

[SHOtimer]

You need to first clean out the p/s fluid...that usually helps.

Doug

 

[F-22 Raptor SHO]

Clunking during turns as well?

 

[shoon]

check the front coil springs while someone turns the wheel from side to side in the car.

the springs should spin freely with the whole strut. If the upper mounts are sticking, the top of the spring will remain stationary while the bottom twists.

 

[SHOtime2511]

strut mounts,tierods,balljoints,axles id check them all.

 

[DJSHO91]

If the steering seems fine and then suddenly goes hard, your problem is in the power steering system. You either have a leak, which from your comments doesn't seem likely, or the problem is systematic. The two most likely areas would be contaminants in the fluid itself or a defective hose(s) expanding under sudden pressure changes. The 1st(most likely) you can check with a fluid test kit available at most auto parts stores. The 2nd would require a more in-depth check by a knowledgeable mechanic. I have had this problem show up in the past and understand how disconcerting it can be. Good luck.

 

[llamaking122]

how do you flush the p/s fluid?anyone got any pics? i know when i hit any type of bump there is a squeek so i know my bushings are bad.

 

[sperold]

The subframe bushing will give you grief like you are describing, but it is usually accompanied by clunking when you use the brakes. It happened on my 90, and the bushing tightening cleared it up.

 

[llamaking122]

ya i have clunking when i brake too. ill check the sfbs tomm

 

[sperold]

We had to pull up the interior carpet and go through those big "recall holes" in the floor / firewall to get to the top of the subframe fastener nut as it had broken free from the mounting plate. With a little luck you won't have to do that. On mine, you could see a space between the washers and the bushing, so it is easy to figure out.

 

[llamaking122]

I hear lots of clunking when i take off or brake. i know i have a sfb problem anyone near northside wanna get together this weekend to help me? can i just take the line to the p/s cooler off?