Power Steering Box 1984 Trans AM
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Power Steering Box 1984 Trans AM
Over a year ago, I had the power steering gear rebuilt by a reputable company that I have used in the past.
I was concerned, even before the rebuild, that the ps box was not creating sufficient hydraulic pressure. It seems that I have to use too much more force to turn the steering wheel.
I used to own a 1972 Buick GS and it was very easy to make turns and thus less strength to turn the steering wheel.
The ps oil in the ps box is almost new & at correct level. Hoses are good. The steering hardware, idler, tie rods, etc., are all good & greased. Belts are tight.
Experience & suggestions? how much strength does power steering in your car require to turn the Steering wheel ?
I was concerned, even before the rebuild, that the ps box was not creating sufficient hydraulic pressure. It seems that I have to use too much more force to turn the steering wheel.
I used to own a 1972 Buick GS and it was very easy to make turns and thus less strength to turn the steering wheel.
The ps oil in the ps box is almost new & at correct level. Hoses are good. The steering hardware, idler, tie rods, etc., are all good & greased. Belts are tight.
Experience & suggestions? how much strength does power steering in your car require to turn the Steering wheel ?
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Re: Power Steering Box 1984 Trans AM
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Car: '89 GTA
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Axle/Gears: Borg Warner 3.70:1
Re: Power Steering Box 1984 Trans AM
The steering in these cars are heavy compared to 60/70's cars and also modern cars. Hard to say if yours is acting normal, but it will definitely be heavier feeling than your GS was. Have you replaced the pump? If the pump is also new and you still don't like the feel, you can get a spring/shim kit for the pump to bump up the pressure in increase the assist.
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T.L. (12-15-2023)
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Re: Power Steering Box 1984 Trans AM
The steering in these cars are heavy compared to 60/70's cars and also modern cars. Hard to say if yours is acting normal, but it will definitely be heavier feeling than your GS was. Have you replaced the pump? If the pump is also new and you still don't like the feel, you can get a spring/shim kit for the pump to bump up the pressure in increase the assist.
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Re: Power Steering Box 1984 Trans AM
Is the steering always heavy or only when idling?
Wider or stickier tires than stock?
Wider or stickier tires than stock?
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Re: Power Steering Box 1984 Trans AM
It is heavier when idling but it is still heavy on the road. It is like driving a 1953 International ton truck. Thing is I was so used to the close ratio ps on my my 1972 Buick GS, I was disappointed.
I had big tires on 1970 Chevelle (L70x14) & no power steering & was not a heavy steering car. Little hard turning at near idle. Then again I grew up on a farm & no vehicles nor tractors had power steering.
I think that I will send the ps box to the rebuilders but ask him to test the hydraulic pressure output. Think that should be 1200-1400 lbs.
The rebuilder rebuilt the power steering box because the car wandered about on the road.
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Re: Power Steering Box 1984 Trans AM
We did ^that^ recently at work w/a truck that we were struggling with as to why PS went away. We put in a new PS pump and it worked fine, for about 10 minutes of driving, the it'd lose PS. Installing a gauge instantly showed us that we were losing pressure at the same time that we'd lose power steering...PS pump was bad, right out of the box.
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T.L. (12-17-2023)
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