Power steering
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 253
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From: Wausau, WI
Power steering I wasnt sure where to post this. This is my problem, I have a 2000 Z with 30k and about 3 years ago, the final time I took my baby to the dealership, they told me that my rack was leaking. They suggested I should replace my rack and pinion steering like they obviously would. Then the next summer I took it to my regular mechanic and he said as long as there wasnt leakage on the ground I shouldnt worry just yet. Well to this day there is still no visible leaking on the garage floor and my fluid has been stable ever since the dealership without even adding any fluid. About two weeks ago I cranked the wheel and did a donut and right after the power steering totally went out so I thought it just finally went. Well there was no sign of leaking to my garage and the very next day I checked the spot where I did the donut and there was no puddle. I let it sit a few days, went to start it and no power steering but there is also still no leakage and the fluid is full. I checked the belt, all good. Anybody?
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (27)
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Anheuser Busch, Houston Texas
Donuts kill PS pumps on these cars. They put a lot of stress on the pump at full lock either way.
That probably would not kill the rack, but if you have no power steering its not the rack anyhow. It is probably the pump. You do not have to be leaking to have a busted power steering pump. Replace the pump. Refill the fluid, bleed the system and see how she goes.
The rack leaking would indicate a seal is done, either the one up by where the linkage comes in from the steering shaft, or the big round nut on the front facing forward. Also see if there is any leaking on the inner tie rod boots. Any one of those will eventually go out and leave you with heavy steering as well.
You can swap a rack yourself in a couple of hours. Just find another one, swap it out and go get an alignment.
That probably would not kill the rack, but if you have no power steering its not the rack anyhow. It is probably the pump. You do not have to be leaking to have a busted power steering pump. Replace the pump. Refill the fluid, bleed the system and see how she goes.
The rack leaking would indicate a seal is done, either the one up by where the linkage comes in from the steering shaft, or the big round nut on the front facing forward. Also see if there is any leaking on the inner tie rod boots. Any one of those will eventually go out and leave you with heavy steering as well.
You can swap a rack yourself in a couple of hours. Just find another one, swap it out and go get an alignment.
Key: DON'T DO DONUTS!
But seriously, it does sound like the pump. the rack is the part that does the moving of the wheels themselves, the pump provides the assist so you don't need a 30" steering wheel to turn it. Best of luck, and then read line 1 again.
But seriously, it does sound like the pump. the rack is the part that does the moving of the wheels themselves, the pump provides the assist so you don't need a 30" steering wheel to turn it. Best of luck, and then read line 1 again.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,401
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From: MA
Yeah, don't have any fun, it's bad....How lame are you bro, maybe you should be driving not a camaro but a camary...
But seriously, this is pretty wierd...my ps never makes a whine that I noticed, but I just did two donuts and a couple gears coming out of it today, and the damn ps started whining like crazy. It went away after a fews minutes. I guess I should be more careful not to hold it against the stops like I must have, because otherwise, why would a donut be bad for your steering?
