I just installed and got my new rack and pinion installed and the dealship aligned it, there is only one prob, when im at a stand still or moving very slow, and turn the wheel it seams that the power steering pump is boging down the engine.

Back round info. i orderd the rack and pionon from auto zone, i ordered the heavy duty R&P...........

i gues my real question is......does the heavy duty rack and pinion need the heavy duty pump.....or are they the same,
thanks

nicky

The power steering system when in use (ie, when you turn the wheel), puts a load on the engine to keep pumping fluid, much in the same way as your ac compressor, when its on. When you turn the wheel when standing still or barely moving it is normal to notice the rpms drop a little, but they should pick up quickly as the engine speeds up to maintain idle speed. Is that what happens with you, or does your engine idle significantly lower when the wheel is being turned? I'm not sure what the difference is between a heavy duty and regular steering rack, but I assume its just better rack and pinion gears.

Check the fluid level after the change. Might be low.

yeah the symptoms are, that it returens to normal idle after the wheel is turning, i will check the fluid level tommarow, and wait for any other posts that may inform me of the diffrence between standard and heavy duty rack and pinion.

thanks guys

nciky