omarrakeen

iTrader: (2)

so my 98 Z28 sat untouched for a while and then lightly used ( once or twice every 3 weeks). car has + 155K miles on it. i drove it today and it sometimes make a grinding noise when i turn left only when am in park position or driving VERY slow. its not a loud noise but i could feel it on my steering wheel. there are no leaks. could this be my steering gear or rack and pinion? are those repairable or should i just replace it? i will be lucky if i found new oem parts here in middle east. ideas? thanks

dailydriver

Is it a grinding, or more of a STRONG vibration, or 'shudder' type feeling??

Sometimes this is just either air in the system, OR weak, or low quality aftermarket high pressure hoses which cause this symptom.

omarrakeen

iTrader: (2)

i wouldnt say strong but it feels like grinding. it doesnt always happen..like today it never happened.

do you mean PS pump hoses? thanks.

dailydriver

Yes, I certainly did not mean aggressive, persistent, ladies of the night!

omarrakeen

iTrader: (2)

LOL oh definitely not that. so what am i looking at now?

dailydriver

IF it is the hoses, I have not yet found a TOP quality, super-reinforced, aftermarket replacement hose capable of matching the factory installed deal, as far as being silent goes.

I am thinking of having some custom made up with our end fittings, using some sort of braided stainless steel outside layer, and fiber reinforced inner layer from Aeroquip, or whomever, to try and get rid of the squawking groan mine makes in slow speed, parking lot/pulling out of spaces scenarios.

omarrakeen

iTrader: (2)

honestly i had the hose changed few months ago! could this really be it?

dailydriver

It could be a weak, under-reinforced, aftermarket (yes, even AC Delco, or GM parts) even brand spanking new hose.

But it also could be many other things (rack seals, pump/pump seals, air in the system, etc.).