Power steering issue, already searched

[wcbjr]

This is a new one to me. S13, SOHC. No leaks that I can see. Level is fine. Color is fine.

When I turn left, there is an initial 1/8 - 1/4 rotation that is too easy. Then it stiffens up a bit and the car moves left like it should. Right turns act the way they are supposed to. Why is there a little lag in the steering when only turning left?

Car did this when there was, *gasp*, power steering fluid being used. I changed over to ATF today and the car feels the same way. I have removed the cap, run the car, and turned the wheel lock-to-lock many times now. All of the problems I searched stated that the wheel was hard to turn, not too easy. Any ideas?

[wcbjr]

I do have a question on the lines. I notice on the left side of the car, down by the bottom of the header, that there is a section of hard line that has about 4" removed and a soft line placed there. Is there supposed to be a soft line there?

[carcrazyguy]

This is a new one to me. S13, SOHC. No leaks that I can see. Level is fine. Color is fine.

When I turn left, there is an initial 1/8 - 1/4 rotation that is too easy. Then it stiffens up a bit and the car moves left like it should. Right turns act the way they are supposed to. Why is there a little lag in the steering when only turning left?

Car did this when there was, *gasp*, power steering fluid being used. I changed over to ATF today and the car feels the same way. I have removed the cap, run the car, and turned the wheel lock-to-lock many times now. All of the problems I searched stated that the wheel was hard to turn, not too easy. Any ideas?

These symptoms you mention are similar to when my car's fluid was really low and had a leak. You may have some of the "old stuff" still in the lines causing issues. You might try draining it again, refilling it, and driving it for a while to see if things get better. You might also check the tension on your PS pump drive belt.

[wcbjr]

What I dont get is that this only happens on one side. If the system is a circulatory one and the issue is with air bubbles or bad fluid, then it should happen on both sides.

[carcrazyguy]

What I dont get is that this only happens on one side. If the system is a circulatory one and the issue is with air bubbles or bad fluid, then it should happen on both sides.

Maybe turning in one direction has more of a load than the other?

[rogoman]

The rack may have some internal wear or maybe pinion needs adjustment. Also there may be air in the system. Here's a procedure for bleeding the hydraulic system:

[redtop91]

I know it sounds odd but those are the symptoms I have when my front right tie rod was bent. I kid you not. Hit any curbs lately?