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Topic: Power steering only in one direction???

in Forum: C4 Handling Components


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Power steering only in one direction??? (1/4)
 4/14/12 2:15pm
C4Shane
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Charlotte, NC - USA

Vette(s):
-1993 LT-1, Coupe, 6speed, white/black -1986 L98, Coupe, 4+3, Black - SCCA TT Racer -1979 L48 Coupe, Auto, Red/doeskin


Joined: 5/15/2010
Posts: 26

So, I found that my power steering on my 1986 C4 would "lockup" when it was warmed up, and especially when driving aggressively on a winding road or autocrossing.  Not a good thing. So the pump acted like it was worn out and I replaced it. I followed the GM shop manual instructions for bleeding, by rotating the steering several times (with engine off) and then fired it up.  I expected everything to be really nice, but not the case.

Now it will turn left very easily, with no hint of locking up or binding.  However, right turns feel like there is no PS at all.  I was extremely careful to replace all the fluid and keep everything clean. Looking in the GM manual there is nothing about it behaving well in one direction and not the other.  I have turned the wheels back and forth quite a few times, thinking it is air in the system, but no luck.
 
Any ideas? 
 
And thank you for taking the time to read/reply to this.  C4 Vette Registry folks are the best!


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There is no problem a little horsepower can't fix!

C4s: 1993 LT-1 coupe, 6-Speed, White w/black 1986 L-98 Coupe, 4+3 Trans, Satin Black w/red-black interior - SCCA Time Trial racecar.
C3: 1979 L-48 couple, auto, Red w/doeskin interior.
 
https://www.c4vetteregistry.com/member_uploads/14301_14400/14327/100_5963_zpse01892a52014510161358r.jpg
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Re: Power steering only in one direction??? (2/4)
 4/15/12 8:50am
SAYWHEN
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Joined: 2/26/2011
Posts: 82

Air in the system would normally show up as noise/growling while running and/or shudder/jerking while turning the wheel. A defective replacement pump...loose belt etc. woldn't cause a problem only when turning the wheel in one direction. Sounds like a issue which is internal to the steering rack itself.....JMO
Re: Power steering only in one direction??? (3/4)
 3/13/14 8:48pm
C4Shane
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Charlotte, NC - USA

Vette(s):
-1993 LT-1, Coupe, 6speed, white/black -1986 L98, Coupe, 4+3, Black - SCCA TT Racer -1979 L48 Coupe, Auto, Red/doeskin


Joined: 5/15/2010
Posts: 26

Should have replied to this one about 18 months ago, but have been having too much fun racing the car. Turns out it was a worn steering rack. the seals had become hard and apparently were holding pressure in only one direction.  sent my rack off to A1-Cardone to be rebuilt (you can purchase the service online from RockAuto.com) and for less than 150 bucks it comes back looking and acting like new.

______________

There is no problem a little horsepower can't fix!

C4s: 1993 LT-1 coupe, 6-Speed, White w/black 1986 L-98 Coupe, 4+3 Trans, Satin Black w/red-black interior - SCCA Time Trial racecar.
C3: 1979 L-48 couple, auto, Red w/doeskin interior.
 
https://www.c4vetteregistry.com/member_uploads/14301_14400/14327/100_5963_zpse01892a52014510161358r.jpg
Re: Power steering only in one direction??? (4/4)
 3/26/14 2:06pm
REDVETTE85
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NORTON, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1985 C4 red, 1985 C4 Black and dark gray


Joined: 7/9/2012
Posts: 111

Yep rebuild the rack  any auto parts store can send them to car-done this mine before I put it back in my85
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