I've tried to do some research on this and I haven't really found the same problem. Daughter was using the car and put regular PS fluid in the reservoir causing the steering to be really inconsistent...hard then soft. Once I was informed to the problem, I flushed the PS and replaced it with ATF. Now the power steering is very hard in the morning (as in almost not working). Once I turn it lock to lock once or twice it seems to free up and be fine after that. Problem seems to happen mostly in the morning, but now it's starting to happen more often and all day long. There are NO noises and the steering does not seem to be loose and seems to center properly, although it does seem to pull to the right a slight amount. Belt is good and properly adjusted. Car has 210k but I don't know any service history from prior to 150k.
Research has only made things more confusing. Could this be the steering rack, steering bushings, PS pump, LBJ, OTR...? Plan is to go ahead and replace the LBJ and OTR at the same time I tear apart everything else, but I'm just not sure what else needs to be torn apart. Any help is appreciated!
Research has only made things more confusing. Could this be the steering rack, steering bushings, PS pump, LBJ, OTR...? Plan is to go ahead and replace the LBJ and OTR at the same time I tear apart everything else, but I'm just not sure what else needs to be torn apart. Any help is appreciated!