Loss and regain of power steering

[bradsjazz]

Twice in the last month I have pulled into my parking lot at work and seem to lose my power steering, and then regain it when I turn the wheel back and forth a few times. Both times I come up a little rise, quickly, into my parking spot. I'm not crazy,, I think. Any ideas. Thanks.....Brad 99 Boxster

[mrmickeymouse]

Lets use the K.I.S.S. have you checked your PS level.

Scott

[bradsjazz]

Lets use the K.I.S.S. have you checked your PS level.

Scott

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That would be too easy. Do I need to get the expensive stuff or will a "over the counter" fluid do?

[mrmickeymouse]

Must be Pentosin but if it's low don't refill, find out why it's low.

Scott

[mrmickeymouse]

It also could be your serpentine belt, I don't know the age of your vehicle or your maintenance schedule.

It's worth checking, if you don't find it low - you will look for cracks and degradation.

Scott

[bradsjazz]

It also could be your serpentine belt, I don't know the age of your vehicle or your maintenance schedule.

It's worth checking, if you don't find it low - you will look for cracks and degradation.

Scott

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks, belt was just changed at 60000 mile service in Feb. I'll check fluid and report back.

[bradsjazz]

It also could be your serpentine belt, I don't know the age of your vehicle or your maintenance schedule.

It's worth checking, if you don't find it low - you will look for cracks and degradation.

Scott

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks, belt was just changed at 60000 mile service in Feb. I'll check fluid and report back.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

OK, I checked the fluid level and it's OK. It happened again...this time the steering wheel seemed stuck after I stopped the car and came free with a little pop at the the front wheels after I played with the steering wheel. Almost like the front tires where stuck on something. ?????

[mrmickeymouse]

Maybe a ball joint going bad, tough to do over the net.

I would lift the front end off the floor and start the car and then move the wheel from side to side to figure it out, The problem with this method is unless there is a load on the vehicle you may not get the result your looking for, then load [lower] the vehicle and see if you can get it to do the same thing.

If it is a P/S pump going bad you may have a screeching sound as the pump locks up and the belt cycles over it.

One more thing, maybe drive in a empty parking lot until it happens then stop and check it out.

Good Luck,

Scott

[bradsjazz]

Maybe a ball joint going bad, tough to do over the net.

I would lift the front end off the floor and start the car and then move the wheel from side to side to figure it out, The problem with this method is unless there is a load on the vehicle you may not get the result your looking for, then load [lower] the vehicle and see if you can get it to do the same thing.

If it is a P/S pump going bad you may have a screeching sound as the pump locks up and the belt cycles over it.

One more thing, maybe drive in a empty parking lot until it happens then stop and check it out.

Good Luck,

Scott

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

THANKS...................BRAD

[savinor]

OK, I checked the fluid level and it's OK. It happened again...this time the steering wheel seemed stuck after I stopped the car and came free with a little pop at the the front wheels after I played with the steering wheel. Almost like the front tires where stuck on something. ?????

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have a '99 and had exactly the same thing happen twice. I was making a tight turn with the wheel at the lock, and the steering wheel stuck at that position. When it broke loose the power steering took a while to come back. :drive:

Rich in CT

Edited November 23, 2004 by savinor

[Guest Sir.Rhosisoftheliver]

I've had a few cars in the past where the u-joint coupler in the sterring shaft would bind.... might be worth looking into. If I remember correctly, my customers all complained it was worse in the morning as when the car sat over-night. Hope this helps.