[Pezooki]

Hi all,

My 91 Sierra with Vitara PS setup has just developed an issue. All of a sudden the steering became very "notchy" and something wasn't feeling right. I have put it up on the jack stands and it seems to me that my power steering box is the problem. You can turn the steering wheel freely for almost 1 turn, but then there is heavy resistance and what feels like some bad gear meshing going on. It will get past this point with some effort and then it will come across another bad spot... (FYI - I also disconnected the pitman arm to make sure it wasn't bad kingpins/swivel hubs causing the resistance - they are fine).

I also had a play with the adjustment nut/screw on the top of the box - it would only move 1/4 turn each way and made no difference.

So, my question is: do you think that my box has died? If so, can anyone recommend a place who could recondition it without costing me the earth, or perhaps someone here has a good Vitarta PS box they can sell me? (I'm eastern suburbs Melbourne).

I would normally rebuild the box myself but I just don't have the time right now, and I need the Zook on the road ASAP because I am moving house in 3 weeks. The pressure is on

Cheers and thanks in advance.

Pez

[greyghost]

check the units in the steering shaft, sounds like one of those to me

[Pezooki]

Hi greyghost,

I did have a quick look at the uni and it "seemed OK", although this is pretty hard to tell without fully removing it.

My zook has a uni at the top of the shaft and a rag joint down near the box. I have just sprayed some wd40 on the uni to see if it helps. I will have another look in the morning (and will remove the uni to be sure if this is inconclusive).

Cheers, Pez

[Pezooki]

Hi all,

greyghost - looks like we were both right. The Uni is buggered and is definitely one part of the problem. Thanks for your help! Unfortunately I still have an issue with the box though. On center is it very tight, and the adjustment screw doesn't seem to change this at all. So, my question is:

Is there a simple fix for the 'tight box' (haha) on center, given that the adjustment screw doesn't seem to help? The box leaks like a sieve anyway, so if someone has a good one, that doesn't leak at the right price I will be very interested - please let me know!

Cheers

[rockcrawlerdude]

Best bet is to buy another box or like i did and buy a complete setup with a good box. I scored one of $150 that was brand new in 2011. I went thro 2 boxs cause they where leaking.

[steve]

I seem to remember having a problem like this. I think the pump isn't pumping enough fluid? not enough pressure, a worn spinny wheel inside maybe? I put a different pump on and it worked.

[Pezooki]

Thanks guys,

The tight / notched center position on the box is there even when the box is out of the car (i.e - no pump / oil pressure at all). Because of this, I would think that the problem is mechanical and definitely in the box.

Does anyone here have a good box for sale? Please let me know.

Pez