bobt4945

My youngest son is driving our 87 944 na saying it was hard to turn to the left, told him to check fluid level and the belt. called a week later saying now it was hard to turn both ways when starting from a stop, once he was going it wasn't so bad. is it the power steering pump or is it the rack? any opinions greatly appreciated. (side note car is in Indiana and dad (the mechanic is in North Dakota, son is coming up for a week before returning to start Sr. yr. of college back in Indiana so want to get the right part(s) to repair). thanks and GOD BLESS.

bob

FlyBoy1986

Sounds like the pump went out. check for fluid leaks coming from the rack as well, mine has a rotted hose and I'm in the middle of replacing it.

thomasmryan

you should be able to pick up dex II D at napa. fluid should be checked with the engine at idle.

hard to turn might also be...

1) low tire pressure (but this would not explain the left only symptom)
2) binding upper strut perch bearing. loaded, you are trying to twist the spring.
3) bad ball joint.

AZ520

I have the same issue, hard to turn at slow speeds, very hard when stopped. I have been searching for a quick check to determine if its the pump or the rack. Anyone know?

mel_t_vin

Have never made it a practice to turn the steering wheel on any car, assisted or not, while stopped/not moving. Puts too much stress on the components.

Belt intact? Clean fluid in the reservoir? Most likely the pump.

benjay

are you able to tell me about your past issues with tough turning to the left? I have the same problem and unable to troubleshoot the problem. My pump was leaking when i go the car and I rebuilt it with the seal kit. Flushed the system and put in ATF dexron 3. Leak gone...new tie rods put on it alignment done. At slower speeds definitely have some assist to turn right but left is much harder. Front end jacked turning easy both ways with engine off.