Ok, as you guys know I am learning about my car '95 850 turbo wagon, Quick Brick I bookmarked that link that you gave me and have been reading some of it.
Now for my question, the steering on the car is really stiff, almost like not having any P/S at all, I changed the P/S fluid.
In the book it says that it never needs to be changed, but I dont believe that. So is this normal P/S feel? Tight and stiff? Or is the pump going south?
I used Valvoline High Mileage Dexron III.

 

Can you see fluid moving in the bottle when the car is running?
The rack may have a problem inside of it.
But if you cannot see the fluid moving it might be the pump.

 

No I have not looked inside the bottle to see if fluid is moving or not, I will do that today.
Are there any grease points that I need to know about?

 

No not really. If you want to you can try spraying the knuckle where it come out of the body to the rack.
But usually they aren't a problem on the 850's only the older rear wheel drive cars.

 

I think that I found my problem. The ATF that I used has a stop leak in it, I didnt realize that when I bought it.
So, I am going to change it again but this time use just regular oldDexron III.

 

Was the steering tight before you changed the fluid and even tighter after?

 

Yes, it was tight/stiff before and I always change my P/S fluid, every car I have ever owned I changed the fluid every 100,000 miles, this car has 165,000 on it, so not knowing the history of the car I changed it. Brake fluid is next.
But I thought that it would get easier to steer after I changed the fluid. Worked on everyother car.
Now when I changed it I used my hand pump and sucked it all out, refilled it, turned the wheel lock-to-lock several times and then sucked it out and refilled it again.
Looking at it in the bright sun today I see that there is a hose going to the back of the pump, I think that this week I will remove that hose to get all the fluid out.
What are you thinking QB?

 

How do the power steering lines look?

How does the rack, itself, look?

Is there any signs of leaking anywhere?

From what you have mentioned, so far, I am leaning towards the rack starting to go. Mind you, I had to change both the rack and lines a couple of years back, 309,000klm in the dial, but this was due to some serious leaks. Probably because of the age of the car.

If there are no leaks then I would consider taking it in for a second opinion [X(] If it is the rack then I geuss that it is time to either rebuild or replace and wait for the bill [sm=helpout.gif].

 

When I was changing the oil last weekend I was rolling around under the car getting familiar with it and there were no leaks to be found anywhere.
The P/S fluid was on the low side when warm, but I consider that normal for the age of the car.
I will change the fluid again and if it still acts up then I will take it in for a pro's opinion.

 

Good idea[sm=smiley20.gif].

No need to spend bucks if you do not have to.

I will always start with you things that I can do myself and only go to the shop if I absolutely have to.

 

Ok, yesterday I flushed the power steering system and replaced the fluid with a standard ATF, not high mileage stuff, the steering is much smother and easier now.
I also drained and filled the trans fluid, it was black, smelled all burned and stuff.
I am going to change it again the next time I change the engine oil.