2 weeks ago, my dealership replaced my power steering pump because of damage done to the reservoir by my serpentine belt whent the tensioner locked up. Ever since then, my power steering is fine, except when I'm at a full stop, like making a 2-point backup turn to line up entering my garage, or when braking hard while making a 90* right hand turn into a parking lot entrance. If I'm lining up for my garage, and I apply any gas pedal at all, then there'* suddenly plenty of power steering, but at idle, it'* just GONE, like driving a truck. Obviously, I didn't have this problem before they replaced my power steering pump.

When I took it back, their service tech insisted it wasn't the pump, but something wrong with the rack. Their service manager told that guy that he has to be wrong, since it didn't do it before they replaced the pump, and agreed to swap another new pump on it.

I'm just a little uncomfortable with their diagnosis, so I'm just wondering, does anyone else'* steering do this? Did anybody have this and got it fixed, and if so, what fixed it for you?

Thx,
-Mark

Do you have the MagnaSteer variable effort steering system? Or conventional power steering? Only other question would be did they re-fill & vent the sytem properly after the new ps pump install?

No, that is not normal. On both my 97 and 00, I can go lock to lock very easily. I bet the service manager is right, and the pump is not producing enough flow at idle speeds.

Sounds like you have a fair service manager though...

Mine does the EXACT same thing. Worse on cold mornings or when the car has been sitting for a while. My power steering pump was replaced by yours truely, and it didn't do it before I replaced it.

Who knows...

Hey my car does that but not all the times just at periods, I don't remember the conditions it happened in but it definitely went manual instead of power. It hasn't happened enough to prompt me to look into it. Interesting.

Yes, my car has the magnasteer RPO code, and also it won't do it if the car is cold, only after it'* warmed up, and then it does it regularly. I used to be able to turn it with maybe two fingers. I still can, except when the car is idling like when I'm braking and turning, or when the car is not moving. It'* like trying to turn the steering wheel of a manual steering truck or something.

And yes, my logic was "It didn't do this before they replaced the power steering pump" and I think my service manager can see the logic behind that. For what it'* worth, my dealership has always performed excellent work for me, they have a longstanding reputation in my community for their excellent service department, and the dealership is turning 90 years old this year. I've bought our last two cars from them, my Bonneville and my wife'* GP GT, and for the GP I gave them a list of what I wanted, and they actually went out and got it at auction with us in mind, and then gave us the first call before putting it on the lot. I've been very pleased with them.

I think there is a flow control valve on the power steering pump, maybe needs to be looked at? The MagnaSteer actuator may not be operating properly, or receiving correct inputs. Just throwing out some ideas.

Well, glad to see that I am not the only one this is happening too. Come to think of it, it hasn't been doing it for a few days now, but it was for a few weeks. Haven't done anything with my Power Steering pump, but I know the fluid level is fine. It did this for a few weeks in the winter after my wife was doing donuts in the parking lot across the street, then it was fine up until recently. Now it stopped again...for now. Hmmm... maybe I should get it checked.

. . .and now we know why she'* your wife!

does she have single sister?