What would cause unresponsive steering in a 1995 Olds Supreme?

Question

Steering seems very sloppy. It takes alot of steering wheel travel to turn wheels.

3.1 v6
196,000 miles
tie rods seem ok
does have a power steering leak somewhere

Answer 1

maby the iner tie rods are shot or the whole rack its a pain in the balls to put in i wouldent appempt it without a lift

Answer 2

Try checking your tire pressure first, the power steering pump is used to assist steering effort so unless it's empty it isn't the problem. Are the tires wearing funny? You may have bad ball joints or tie rods, but low tires will give you unresponsive steering since the tires distort causing a lazy feeling to the steering. If the power steering wasn't working it would be extremely difficult to turn the wheel.

Answer 3

Sounds like your ack and pinion has gone south. Check the power steering fluid, is it dirty and have a burn smell to it? It probably does, which is why the seals have leaked fluid on the ground. Replace the rack and flush the steering lines and you should be good to go. The excessive slack in your steering are more than likely worn tie rods, most racks come complete for this repair.