Heavy power steering problem

[dhkemp91]

Alright I have tried to search the Internet to find what could be causing my problem but nothing I found seemed like what's happening to mine. I have heavy steering but it is only after it has been parked for a little while. It is never heavy while driving. And I've also tried starting the car and letting it run for 15 minutes but still when I get it the steering is heavy but only for the first turn or so. Say I turn to back out an the steering is heavy and then not as heavy when I straighten out to drive away and then it's gone the rest of the drive. I've also gone out and driven it then parked it leaving it running for about 15 minutes again and it will still do it. When I started trying to find the problem I noticed my power steering hoses coming off the resevoir were covered in built up fluid and the res was empty. It also looked like the hex bolt on top of the pump was leaking so I got all new clamps and tried to tighten the bolt on the pump. I put the dexron ATF in it and it is still heavy. Not sure if this would make a difference but my u joint on the steering column is rusted and loose and I have play in my steering wheel. So I have already ordered a replacement u joint. I have also got everything to do my 120k timing belt service along with UR racing pulleys and underdrive pulley. I bought new oem hoses and oem clamps. Just wondering of I should go ahead and replace the pump while I'm there? Just needing some opinions and advice!

Thanks in advance!

[es.biggs]

Do the U-joint first man I think that will help.

[dhkemp91]

Alright it should be here by Wednesday. I'll get that replaced and get an update posted

[dhkemp91]

I got the joint replaced and still have the heavy steering like I described. I'm wondering if it's just a slipping belt. Just odd how it's only at the beginning of each drive.

[jschrauwen]

You can rebuild the PS pump easy enough. IIRC, the rebuild kit from Z1 is around $50.00. There's a few How-To's on 3ZC. You don't normally need to replace the PS pump.

[zmatt]

hay bud there is a solenoid on the power steering rack that is going out or bad. just happened to mine. it stiffens the steering the faster you go. I tried a new power steering pump, still hade prob so I reached out and some one told me about it and it worked. you prob have found this out by now..