Difficult steering in one direction

Hi,

I have to be honest. It sounds like the rack and pinion steering gear is bad. Does it do it all the time? Is it something that is affected by temperature or doesn't that matter? Does it change after being driven?

Let me know.

Joe

Hi,

It could be what your neighbor mentioned, but it shouldn't take too long for it to loosen. You replaced the pump. Is the new fluid you installed still clean and in good condition. If it looks dirty, you may want to flush the system. Here is a link that shows how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-fluid-flush

Let me know.
Joe

That sounds like a good idea. If you could, please let me know the outcome. I'm interested in knowing.

I hope the rack and pinion is good. I remember years back, there were bushings that would fail and then they would bind. If you look where the inner tie rod goes into the rack (at the boot on each side), see if there is any evidence of fluid. You may have to gently pry the boot open to confirm.

I attached a pic of the rack and highlighted where to check.

Let me know.

Joe

Hi,

I have to be honest. I really feel the rack and pinion is bad. If you decide to replace it, here are the directions. Also, if you check places like Rockauto. Com, you may find it isn't an expensive part.

The attached pics correlate with the directions.

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1987 Chevrolet Celebrity V6-173 2.8L
Removal and Installation
Vehicle Steering and Suspension Steering Steering Gear Service and Repair Procedures Removal and Installation Power Rack and Pinion Assembly Removal and Installation
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY REMOVAL

TOOL REQUIRED:
J 24319-01 Puller

Rack And Pinion Mounting

pic 1

Power Steering Line Routing - V6

pic 2

REMOVE OR DISCONNECT
1. Air cleaner.
2. Intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt.
3. Intermediate shaft from stub shaft.

CAUTION: Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear and/or intermediate shaft. This damage can cause loss of steering control which could result in personal injury.

4. Line retaining clips.
5. Lines at gear from pump.
6. Raise car with suspension contact hoist.
7. Both front tire and wheel assemblies.
8. Tie rod ends from knuckles with J 24319-01.
9. Remaining brackets and clips on cross member.
10. Support body with stands to allow lowering of frame.
11. Rear frame mount bolts and lower rear of frame up to 128 mm (5").

NOTICE: Do not lower rear of frame too far as damage to engine components nearest to the cowl may result.

12. Heat shield (if equipped).
13. Rack and pinion mounting bolts.
14. Rack and pinion through left wheel opening.

INSTALL OR CONNECT
1. Rack and pinion through left wheel opening.
2. Rack and pinion mounting bolts.

TIGHTEN
Torque rack and pinion mounting bolts to 95 Nm (70 lbs. Ft.).

3. Heat shield (if equipped).
4. Raise frame and install rear frame bolts.
5. Remove stands.
6. Brackets and clips on cross member.
7. Tie rod ends.

TIGHTEN
Tighten tie rod ends to 40 Nm (30 lbs. Ft.), 70 Nm (52 lbs. Ft.) Max. To install cotter pin.

8. Both tire and wheel assemblies.
9. Lower car.
10. Lines at gear from pump.

TIGHTEN
Lines at gear pump to 25 Nm (18 lbs. Ft.).

11. Line retaining clips.
12. Intermediate shaft at stub shaft and tighten pinch bolt.
13. Air cleaner.
14. Fill with fluid.
15. Bleed air from system.

INSPECT
For leaks. If leak is found, correct cause of leak and bleed system.

______________________________________________________

Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Take care,
Joe