Hey I was driving in the rain with one of my friends who has a 88' Crown Vic and as we were taking a left turn he flung out the back of his car and so I wanted to do the same just a bit of gas and whooo i was side ways but then when I turned into the skid and then back out my steering felt wired. I mean when i turn slowly its seems 100% fine but when I take a right turn and then straighten the wheels fast is sort of feels like some thing is holding it back it gets very stiff then goes away. So only when i turn right its fine but when i turn left fast thats when it happens. Any one have a clue what it could be did I maybe bent anything or could it be my suspension. Please let me know i hope it doesn't cost allot of $$$ since I just replaced the alternator and battery.


Thanks

 

check the fluid in the power steering pump. if it's murky you may have to flush the system. this basically involves getting a bucket to dump the low pressure (return) line into while the inlet on the tank is plugged and filling the tank with clean fluid. the usual cause of this is a loose fitting cap. Considering the age of the vehicle, I'd be surprised if there wasn't something worn in the pump though. I just had to replace mine a few months ago in my 88 cause it was getting very leaky. Type F ATF is suggested for use in these older style pumps. Since it works fine one way but not the other, I think it might have sucked in some gunk somehow or the gearbox may be getting worn out.

 

great thanks a buddy of myne told me maby some air got it is there like a release valve to let air out or. . . . just the get pump changed cause my leaking every where

 

HI - I hear this strange noise while steering as soon as the engine is warm. Sounds like the power steering pump or so - maybe there is not enough steering fluid in the system ... what do you think? Is it dangerous to drive the car right now? Will the steering pump break when I drive with not enough steering fluid in the system? Is there any chance to refill the steering system by my own? where do I find the fluid tank? thanks Patrick

 

what vehicle do you have?

Usually you can just top off the fluid tank with whatever your manual says to use and you should be fine. you should check the lines for leaks to find out if it's just a loose hose clamp causing you grief.

 

I got a '89 Grand Marquis.

- there is definitely a leak somewhere - I thought the drops on the ground were motor oil - but for motor oil the substance was way to thin...

Which steering oil is usually used in the '89 GM? I don't have a manual...
Where is the tank?

thx Patrick

 

the tank is on the back of the pump (directly below the alternator). If you still have the stock air box, you may have to remove the intake hose from the front of the box to get at it. You can use any type F fluid (that's what my manual says for the 88. It should be the same on the 89.). I use type F ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) in mine. If you pull the cap off and the fluid is red, then it's already got type F ATF in it and you should use the same. if you pull the cap and the fluid is mostly clear, you should probably try some power steering fluid with stop leak first before going with the ATF. ATF tends to make the seals swell and helps plug leaks that way.

 

Hey, i started car today, and as i pulled out of drive, i had to turn steering wheel alot Just for very little turn? Drove it out and home again and something is wrong I have to turn steering wheel ALOT for Very Little actual steer?Feels lighter as well when turning.Anyone have any ideas what it could be?Need quick help as i need to drive to my other house for work tonight Which is 40miles.. And dont want something terribly wrong happening

 

sounds like something is either stripped out (gearbox) or not bolted down in the steering shaft going to the gearbox. There is a way to let the steering wheel freewheel so you can re-center it after an alignment, but I don't know exactly how that is. I'm betting that's the issue and you just need to tighten down a set bolt.

 

Hi I have an old ford escort. Yesterday while turning I heard a rattling on the car. Then the power steering stopped working. Then the Battery light went on and the car has touble starting now. Also there is a rattling in the engine cooler which continues after the car has stopped. Any ideas what the problem is?