Power steering pump or??????????//

[Q45dude]

My 94 Q45 power steering has been giving me some problems for quite some time and I'm trying to figure out whether it is my power pump or the steerign rack??

The problem I have is the power steering comes and goes. Basically sometimes it feels likw I have no power steering. Also when driving on the freeway the same may happen and sometimes it is hard to control the steering as far as trying to stay in the lane specially on the turns. Feels like I have no control of the steering (FREAKY!!!!!). Anyway, I just wanna know if it the power steering pump dying on me or do I need a new steering rack?????????

Thanks fellaws

[ScottJackson]

Of my 3 Q45s, 2 have needed their pressure regulating valve addressed. I did a somewhat confusing write-up about it a while back. It's a straightforward but not fun job. Still, easier than replacing the rack or pump.

zerothread?id=239910

On one Q, its steering would be fine and cut out at random times. On the other, it didn't work at all.

[Q45dude]

Thanks Scott. I'll read the post.

[Haitian_King]

My cousin's Q had a power steering leak and it would cut out on him while driving. he kept refilling it, but it was only a temporary fix. He didn't have NICO, and eventually blew a head gasket and sold it.

[Q45tech]

Blowing head gaskets is so rare, but it is the common diagnosis of the technically incompetent unless an owner allows a serious overheat...........keeps driving hot until things melt.

Follow the detailed extensive diagnostic in FSM for PS analysis............first thing to do is replace with clean fresh fluid [flush out old].

[Haitian_King]

Just telling you what he told me after I asked him if he still had it. I'm not saying the power steering had anything to do with the head gasket. He just gave the gaskets as a reason of why he no longer has the car.

[Q45tech]

Hearsay has no place in science. Proof is required.

Incompetant [untrained] owners listening to incompetent [on exact model] mechanics is the worst of all situations....................a prelude to disaster.

Q racks last forever IF the power steering fluid and steering boots and rack mount bushings are replaced frequently.

[Haitian_King]

Which I doubt they were.

I just came across a 91 with power steering trouble. They wanted $500 for it. I've called the seller twice, but they never returned the call.

[ericthered]

I had a similar experience... PS cutting in and out. Low PS fluid due to leaking PS high pressure hoses, a common problem. Refilled and PS came back, until it leaked out again... but it got me home!

Replaced the hoses, filled with fluid, and it works fine.

[Haitian_King]

Good to hear.

I wish I had known this. Then my cousin wouldn't have had to sell his Q!