[JohnnyGrey]

I was driving my car tonight and noticed a gradual loss of my power steering. It slowly got harder to turn the wheel. I also noticed a binding noise coming from right behind the steering well (i have the knee board cover removed from my previous turn signal post). Anyways, I haven't had any daylight to check under the hood, but the power steering fluid seemed fine, altough is it supposed to be dark colored??

 

[ProfZ]

The fluid should not be dark--if it's become that way just recently, it means the seals in the rack have gone (which would explain the loss of power assist for the steering).

Of course, check the P/S pump belt to make sure it's not slipping (although you'd hear it if it was).

What kind of noise do you hear from the steering, and when?

 

[JohnnyGrey]

I hear a binding noise when turning the wheel while the car is moving forward. I dont notice any slippage from the belt. But it seems like the power steering is sort of still there...just slowly dying.

 

[cinemarr]

mine is dark out of the bottle and it is Saab fluid.

 

[mr rx-7 tt]

Try some Lucas power steering restore fluid. Mine was doing the same thing... two years ago when I tried it. It doesn't leak and works perfect. You have nothing to lose but replacing the pump or rack.

 

[JohnnyGrey]

If it were leaking where would i notice spots on the ground, and would it have dripped on something in the engine compartment?

 

[john-w]

Check that the U/J where the column joins the rack has not seized.

 

[JohnnyGrey]

If the U/J has seized, wouldnt i not be able to turn at all?

 

[Jezzadee]

Depends how much it has seized . Put a load of grease on if it is dry.

My (genuine Saab) power steering fluid is pretty dark as well.

 

[ProfZ]

The steering column U-joints (at least on '88 and later 16-valve cars) are sealed--can't lube them. Some people use a propane torch to soften the grease so it reflows inside the joint, but my guess is the P/S is going because the seals in the rack are dying.

A classic sign of this is "morning sickness," where the P/S is almost nonexistent when starting the car from cold but improves as the car warms up (seals soften and hold pressure a little better).

 

[mr rx-7 tt]

The steering column U-joints (at least on '88 and later 16-valve cars) are sealed--can't lube them. Some people use a propane torch to soften the grease so it reflows inside the joint, but my guess is the P/S is going because the seals in the rack are dying.

A classic sign of this is "morning sickness," where the P/S is almost nonexistent when starting the car from cold but improves as the car warms up (seals soften and hold pressure a little better).

Yep! That's what mine was doing until I added the Lucas fluid. It's been working perfect for over two years now.

 

[JohnnyGrey]

aight thanx guys. I will be on the lookout for this Lucas stuff. Even though it has been working fine, i will still get some to play it safe.