power steering issue, please help!!

[chesstompowell]

Hi fellas,

Yes I am having a power steering problem. Usually it only occurs in wet, rainy weather and what is happening is when I'll go into a sharp right turn (sometimes left too but usually just those right turns) my poer steering turns into stiff manual steering. What's going on and any suggestions as to the remedy this sometimes dangerous situation I'd really appreciate. thx.

p.s. I'm happy to own and drive a '98 2.2L 4 banger with 420,000kms on her and still runs great!!

[retiredat44]

maybe weak fluid/pump pressure,, maybe flush it, if dirty,, clean the screen in the resiviour.... and if that doesn't help, maybe the pump seals are leaking internally in the pump, not supplying enough fluid pressure... a rebuild of the pump or a new pump may help.. nor sure if you can test pressure readings and what they might be..

or maybe the rack itself has a problem in it.. a valve partially clogged, or leaky seal in the rack...

[Pvt-Public]

Is your wheel well liner in place, broken? When you make a right turn the front tire can spray water directly on the power steering belt and/or pump causing it to slip momentarily.

[csaxon]

Probably a slipping wet belt as Pvt-Public suggests. If the belt is old and glazed then replace it or tighten it up.