Steering 'sticking' at center

[The Super Ninja]

I just got this 1990 240sx last week and I noticed, when whipping it around in a parking lot, that the steering was 'sticking' whenever it returns to center. Say, if I turned a left corner and then quickly cut the wheel back to the right, it would stick when the wheels straighten out, making it difficult to counter steer. After I get past the 'sticking' at center, its smooth again. Any ideas what could be causing this??

[Beau]

Is it making a creaking sound where it locks up? My rack is doing that right now. It seems to do it less when the rpm's are up a bit, though, so I guess it has something to do with the pressure in the system.

[navysnail]

the center is where the wheels have to change direction. it probobly is hard to get past that point because of inertia. check the pressure of your pump with a gauge.

[The Super Ninja]

Nah, its not making any noise when I turn the wheel at all. Hmm, I've not noticed a difference when rpms are up, it still sticks. It doesn't do it when I'm turn easily though, only when I quickly steer one way, then back the other.

[IvoryJ30t]

how many miles are on it? sounds like a worn rack.

[Beau]

I'm not very familiar with steering rack technology, but I believe there is a spring somewhere that regulates pressure in the rack and controls how much hydraulic pressure it works with. That spring may be weakened over the years. I think my rack is partially that problem, and partially a broken tooth.

When I get money to replace it I'm going to try making an S14 rack work since I've heard they have a quicker ratio.