Is this my rack and pinion?

Question

Okay, i just bought a car off some friends, and they screwed me over royally, the first thing my mom ever told me was never buy a car from friends because it could end a friendship. I know this now and i shouldve listened but i didnt. Anyways, it doesnt leak or anything, but when i start it the wheel barely turns, but after a while it will be normal, unless im trying to turn slowly, like on the highway when there is a curve, its all good, but when im turning onto a street its really hard. Now, i know there are other factors in why its hard to turn going slowly, because i believe a fuel injector is bad and whenever i stop or slow down i have to throw it in neutral and keep my foot on the gas. but im no mechanic, it might not be. its a 99 eclipse, i dont know if that makes a difference or not. how much would i cost to replace if thats it? <3 thanks for your answers in advance.
P.S. i dont need to hear about how crappy eclipses are, or that i shouldnt have bought it from friends, i know

ive tried power steering fluid, thats not it, it makes this funny noisewhen i turn my wheel sharply

Answer 1

It's called power steering fluid and you only need that if the power steering pump is low.

Answer 2

Michael B is absolutely correct about the idle problem. I have no doubt that that's what it is. With regards to the steering, you may also have a bad bearing in the steering pump. Also, check the belt tension. With the engine OFF, push on the middle of the longest part of the belt that drives the power steering pump. It should deflect no more than 1/2 - 3/4 inch. If it's tight enough, check the inside of the belt for a "glazed" look and for cracks and other signs of wear. If it squeels, there is an easy check to see if it's the belt or the bearing. Again, with the engine OFF, sprinkle a little talcum powder on the pully. If the noise goes away, it's the belt, but the noise will eventually come back - replace the belt. If the noise continues, it's the bearing. Probably worth replacing the pump, rather than just the bearing.

Answer 3

Most likely is that your power assist is not functioning properly on the steering. The fluid should be checked as first answerer suggested. If it is low that's your first sign. Top it up and it will probably be better for a while, maybe a long while. But sooner or later you will need to get it checked for leaky seals. You can do this yourself by a visual examination around the steering fluid cylinder and the lines from there to the pump, which will be attached somewhere in the front of the engine with a belt driving it. Usually this is a short belt independent of the alternator and water-pump belt.

Then check the lines to the steering box, which should be directly in front of the steering column but within the engine compartment. If your have a friend who can help get one person to slowly move the steering wheel from side to side a couple of turns, with the engine running, and the other looking below for dripping steering fluid.

If all of that is beyond your willingness then find a good local shop to check it for you, use this info to make sure that they are doing it right.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

There is an exceptional new product put out by the 3M Company to clean fuel injectors, valves and combustion chambers. It's pricey but @$10.00 it does the job better than any other I've used over the past 45 yrs. You can find it at NAPA or Car Quest.

This should stop the hesitation problems. If the other suggestions don't work with the power steering problem consider having the idler pulley checked for tightness, worn serpentine belt and pressure check the power steering system. Have the power steering system flushed.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Well, it looks like you have two problems...

One, check your power steering fluid. If it is full, the check valves may be sticking in the power assist part of the rack...

Ok, let's get to the idle thing...poor idle can be several things, but one that is overlooked is often the simplest. Open the hood, and "look" very carefully all around the engine compartment, and the engine. Look for any small rubber hoses, trace them back to both ends. Often you'll find one that is brittle, split, or just broken off. Find where it "should" connect and see if the engine idles better. It probably idles rough now, right? Kinda tries to quit all the time, but smooths out if you give it gas?

We'll stop there for now, try it and see if it helps...

Answer 6

When you first start the car, the seals in the rack and pinion are not sealing and the power steering fluid is not building up the proper pressure. The seals expand when the fluid heats up and it starts to work ok. So you need a new (remanufactured) rack and pinion steering unit installed. By the way, the most important thing to check on your new (used) car is when the timing belt needs to be replaced. If it breaks, it will most likely damage your engine.

Answer 7

check the steering fluid for either red color or clear color. if black or gray, remove the old and replace with new fluid. this may need to be done 2 or 3 time to flush the old fluid out. then have the belt checked for the right tension. if the problem is still there, replace the rack.

Answer 8

I really don't think it's your rack and pinion. If you are having problems turning The wheel and your power steering levels are topped off, most likely it is the power steering pump itself. that's what I would check. Now for your idling problem check your air idling control valve, are just adjust the idle itself. hope this helps you.

Answer 9

go to a auto zone and ask for steering wheel fluid . that is supposed to make the wheel easier to turn

Answer 10

if You trust Your friends ,You trust Your friends.
I don't think the car is bad,
I think You'd been drinking too much coffee.

Your welcome.