Power Steering goes on and off

[dreamer97]

Hey!
I have a 1990 corolla dx that is hard to steer after a cold start but after 15 minutes of driving and a restart the power steering returns. I replaced the PS Pump already but trying to hold out on replacing the rack until I could explain the phenomenon. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance

[Rookie_One]

check your fluid level first

[dreamer97]

Fluid level has been monitored ever since the pump has been changed and surprisingly remains full. is it possible that the pressure hose that is connected to the rack is clogged or has a hole in it. I was thinking that it was air in the system initially.

[retiredat44]

Originally Posted by dreamer97

Fluid level has been monitored ever since the pump has been changed and surprisingly remains full. is it possible that the pressure hose that is connected to the rack is clogged or has a hole in it. I was thinking that it was air in the system initially.

did you bleed the rack from air when you put the pump in?

my power steering had a huge problem like yours at about 225,000 miles.. It would go on and off when near idle and when cold would not work at all..

I bought a pump rebuild kit for $20 (or $13,00 maybe) and rebuilt the pump with the new seals. I bled the system (as per the manual..) and it took a while and some driving, all has been well for many years now.. but the rack could use rpelacement as the steering wheel is not as not perfect center and has a small bit of slop with 350,000 miles.. not bad,, but nothing near as nice when new..

[dreamer97]

Funny that you mentioned "NEW". I was thinking the same thing. But that idea has to sit in the oven for at least another year.

Yesterday I had the rack rebuilt for $150. and installed for another $150. the system was bled but steering remained stiff until sometime today. "Signs of promise." but for no reason other that making a simple stop at the laundry it goes back to stiff. I thought the rack was the problem for sure. But you gave me hope, I'm gonna give it about a week of driving to bleed itself thoroughly. If that doesn't do it at least it's good to know that I'm not alone and that someone out there has been in my shoes once before. Thanks for the advice. I gonna try the repair kit for the pump. hey ya never know.