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MORE: Power steering questions
Car Power Steering System Pump, Rack and Pinion, Ball Joints, Tie Rods, Idler
and Pitman Arm, Control Arms, Sway Bar Links Questions
Question: 1999 Lexus NSX 3.0, mileage 56,000. Recently purchased this Lexus
used. From day one steering felt stiff. When making a turn either left or right
past 1/2 turn you would get a vibration thru the steering wheel and you can hear
a slight groaning sound. This happens only at slow speed only 5 mph or less. At
higher speeds takes a little more effort to make a turn. Rack/pinion was changed
by previous owner with a non/oem type. Mechanic friend suggested changing p/s pump,
pressure/return line and flush and bleed entire p/s system. After doing all that
it worked for about 20 miles then gradually problems reappeared. Do you think rack/pinion
is the problem from the start?
Answer: Check the tires for tread separation, replace as needed
to recheck problem.
Question: 1999 Lexus LS400, mileage: 151,000. I noticed a "humming"
sound when turning to right or left. Took into my mechanic who said fluid was low
due to leak in rack and pinion. They want about a $1400 to replace.
A friend suggested trying an additive to soften the seals. It might buy me
a few months. Make sense to you? Is it ok to add when level is full?
In addition, how do you feel about rebuilt racks. Help !... Thanks
Answer: We do not recommend an additive like the one your friend
suggested because it softens the seals in the pump and the power steering hoses.
Do not over fill your power steering reservoir. It you intend on repairing
the rack in a few months, just keep the reservoir full in the mean time. Rebuilt
power steering racks from eAutoPartStore.com are the highest quality at the lowest
prices.
Question: 1999 Honda Prelude, mileage: 95,000. I have had the steering
rack replace three times by the same mechanic and I am still having the same problem.
There is power steering fluid on top of the reservoir and even on the underside
of the hood above the reservoir. The fluid seems to leak sometimes and other
times it does not. The fluid also appears to be foaming up in the reservoir.
The mechanic that I took it to is trying to help me and has only charged me once
but this has been going on for too long and I cannot afford to take it to a dealer
and pay again. What do you suggest?
Answer: You are the victim of cheap auto parts, if you would have started
we top quality auto parts from eAutoPartStore.com you wouldn't have these problems,
cheap auto parts are cheap for a reason they are made with inferior material and
second rate technology. More and more and can find OEM car parts at low internet
prices, get the good stuff without the high price. Now replace the steering parts
with the good stuff, go back to enjoying life.
Question: 1999 Ford Explorer, mileage: 130,685. I'm trying to put
my power steering belt on which has broken. I cannot seem to figure out how
to get it over the pulley. I live out in the country and towing fee would
kill me.
Answer: There is a spring loaded belt tensioner that needs
to be re-tracked and held before the new belt can be replaced.
Question: 1998 Honda Civic, mileage: 233,000. My car groans and
whines when driven at low speeds, like around a parking lot. I thought it
might have something to so with the power steering pump but the noise doesn't seem
to change all that much when I turn the wheels. The whine and groaning is
noticeable when driving in a straight line. The noise also does not go up
and down in pitch or volume when the engine is revved. It is not noticeable
when driving at highway speeds. In a possibly unrelated problem, the headlights
become dimmer occasionally when the brakes are applied at low engine rev.
They do not immediately noticeably brighten when I rev the engine. Thank you
in advance for all your help!
Answer: Check the timing belt tension, it can whine like that,
if ok. We think the power steering pump is bad and needs replacing.
Question: 1998 Dodge Caravan, mileage: 185,000. Can someone please
tell me where is the fill for my power steering fluid? I found the stick
measure in the back of the engine, but I need to fill it and the noise is terrible.
Answer: The measuring “stick” you found is also the port or opening
to fill the power steering reservoir. Do not add too much it is easy to over
fill.
Question: 1999 Ford Explorer, miles: 89,000 Where is my power steering
fluid leaking if it only leaks at the upper part of the reservoir and then stops
leaking? This leak will make the steering "sing" so I add fluid but it only
takes about 2 ounces to fill it back up to the fill line. Because it takes
so little to fill it up and it doesn't leak out completely. I feel the leak must
be up high on the power steering fluid reservoir. This has been going on for
about 2 weeks. It takes about a week before I have to refill it. Can
you tell me where you think it is leaking?
Answer: Try remove the power steering pump to reseal the reservoir
to the pump housing.
Question: 2003 Ford Expedition, mileage: 42,000. I rebuilt my power steering
box. When I say rebuilt, I replaced all the seals that came in the rebuild kit.
There are two problems; First I’m not getting full turning at the wheels, the steering
wheel turns 5 full turns. Did I get something in wrong or second thing, it has a
little growling sound when it's hot or cold. Fluid level is ok. The pump is new,
purged & bleed. Growling sound only when turning. Please help!!!
Answer: Looks like you probably need to remove the steering box and replace
with a different rebuilt unit.
Question: 1999 Honda Prelude, mileage: 100,000: The power steering hose
is a combination metal tube/rubber hose. The rubber portion is leaking. Can I cut
the rubber portion off the metal tubing and attach a new rubber portion with hose
clamps on the remaining metal ends?
Answer: No, they will not hold the pressure of the power steering system.
Replace steering hoses with new, refill to recheck system.
Question: 1999 Honda Civic, mileage: 131,000. Manual Transmission.
When I turn sharp corners, I hear a deep humming sound from my steering wheel area.
It only happens when I make really sharp turns. It sounds like a miserable moan.
What can I do to fix this?
Answer: The hydraulic pressure sound you hear is normal.
When the steering is in right or left lock positions, the hydraulic pressure builds
and makes noise.
Question: 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan, mileage: 127,500. I am beginning to
notice some difficulty steering this minivan, particularly when I just start it;
once the car is going, I don't notice this problem. What part(s) do you think it
is likely to need?
Answer: First, check drive belt for the power steering pump. If ok, replace
the power steering pump.
Question: My power steering is working all right, but it is making this
hissing noise when I turn. I have checked the fluid. It is alright. I also have
an almost new belt on my car. I would be sincerely thankful if you could give me
your thought on this noise.
Answer: From what you describe, it sounds like your power steering pump
is starting to fail. Replace it with new to repair problem.
Question: 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette, miles:120,000. When I make a turn
through a puddle of water, the steering gets very stiff. Now, as I drive I can feel
a shake in the steering wheel. Any ideas?
Answer: Check the drive belt for the power steering pump.
It may need replacing.
MORE: Power steering questions
Repair Topics /
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/ Power Steering-2
/ Power Steering-3
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