Power Steering Left Turns 1997 SLS

[jtaylor]

My power steering has gone out only on left turns, right turns are fine. Could this be electrical? I would have thought if it was a pump it would be the same both left and right turns?

[Krashed989]

Sounds like your rack took a dump since your pump doesn't care what direction you turn.

[submariner409]

Are there any DTC's set ?? The steering wheel center position sensor controls some traction and braking controls.

Post your codes.

[jtaylor]

ACM B1347 current
ACM B1350 history
ACM U1064 history
IRC U1064

Thanks,

[submariner409]

Somebody with a 97 FSM? My '02 manuals don't have earlier codes.....thx

[jtaylor]

I think these codes are AC related but not sure about the IRC one.

[BIG ERN]

my 98 sts is the exact oppisite left turns only with ps, i am getting the sterring wheel position sensor code, most of the time it works fine, but there are days it stops the ps assist when you really need it

[Krashed989]

B1347 - Very Low A/C Refrigerant Warning
B1350 - Engine Coolant Over-Temperature
U1064 - Loss of Communications with DIM

ACM = Air Conditioning Module
IRC = Integrated Radio Control

http://myweb.accessus.net/~090/dtcobd2.html

[jtaylor]

Originally Posted by BIG ERN

my 98 sts is the exact oppisite left turns only with ps, i am getting the sterring wheel position sensor code, most of the time it works fine, but there are days it stops the ps assist when you really need it

Really that sounds interesting. Its killing my arms reversing into a praking spot right now. Do you know what code you have?

[jtaylor]

Originally Posted by Krashed989

B1347 - Very Low A/C Refrigerant Warning
B1350 - Engine Coolant Over-Temperature
U1064 - Loss of Communications with DIM

ACM = Air Conditioning Module
IRC = Integrated Radio Control

http://myweb.accessus.net/~090/dtcobd2.html

Thanks that makes it sound mechanical which is bad news. I am going to drive it in a minute to pick up the kids so will see if there is anything else to help diagnose.

[jtaylor]

OK just got back from a drive, no power steering at any speed left of center, turning right is fine. Is there any way I can be positive its a rack gone bad?

[Krashed989]

It's most likely the rack.... The input shaft of the rack has a mechanical valve that directs flow to or from either side of the piston in the rack depending on what direction you turn the wheel. My guess is the valve is getting stuck.

[jtaylor]

Thanks for the help. What kind of money am I looking at for a rack? Is there any cheap way to do it?

[Krashed989]

OEM is like $600.... plus it's like $300 for labor to install it.... BUT, you can find some online for less... Like this one for instance: http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/pr...k+A1%20Cardone

[N*Caddy]

Just changed the rack and pinion back in December (noise issues). The new OEM one lost the power assist twice since it was installed (and guess witch way…to the left). The scenario was the same each time, total lost or power steering while maneuvering the car in the parking lot. The strange thing is that after few miles is slowly recovering, next day feels a little stiffer and two-three day later all is back to the normal. Funny is that while at low speed is really, really hard to turn at high speed I feel the exact opposite effect: turning left is noticeably lighter than right. My mechanic (who did the job) told me that while the rack and pinion is under warranty, the power steering fluid is not, so he recommended me to have the system flushed by the dealer suspecting possible debris in the system (witch can temporary jam the valves) before replacing anything. I have two problems with this (other than the price the price the dealer quoted me), first the original rack and pinion had no debris problems and second the flush will let a fluid as clean as the last car flushed.
Does anybody have a diagram of the rack and pinion used in the 97 STS (probably SLS, Deville and Eldo)? I just want to get a good image of what and how it’s working.
And another thing, is $100 a real price for a power steering system flush (because in my opinion $40 should be already unreasonable high).