steering issues

[alvaro.noriega]

My 91 works fine and steers fine. The problem I have is that when I turn the steering wheel it always makes a nasty grinding noise like metal against metal...has anyone ever had this problem or know what it could be?

 

[sperold]

Do you have automatic transmission fluid as the power steering fluid?
Does it make the noise the second you turn the wheel or does it happen when the wheels are maxed turned?
The "metal against metal" description doesn't sound good. Is is more like a high pitched whirrrr that has a metallic tone?

 

[alvaro.noriega]

I know it's definately not the power steering pump that is making the noise. I think it is some thing somewhere between the steering wheel and the rack. I have already changed my old power steering pump because it was whining so bad. but this is something completely different

 

[sperold]

I believe the 91 does not have variable assist power steering (VAP). So in that way you have the simpler system. And yes, the pump would make a noise all the time if it were the culprit. Is your new pump new enough to be for the VAP system? You have a directional control valve in the system, and the hydraulic fluid makes a noise as it is forced into a small passage to run the rack one way or the other, but it is usually a muffled howl. Sometimes check valves will chatter and make a chainsaw type noise, but that sound doesn't fully describe it.
Did the old pump have crap in the fluid when you emptied it out (like solids)?
Try a flush (you can search it on this forum) and if you can, try to do a reverse flush if that is possible. That would free up any solids that made their way to the valving and is partially restricting the orifice.
Before that step, try some true "Type F" tranny fluid, in case that will make a difference.

 

[itwonder]

May be time to swap out the rack. The good news on that is Rockauto has a closeout TRW reman racks (that include new inner tie rod ends) for $69.99, and no core charge. Technically SLO racks, but they work on SHO; only difference is they don't have the little stops to prevent tire rub when turning to the limit.