1984 Chevy Van Steering is VERY hard at idle.

Z_STAMP

MEMBER
1984 CHEVROLET VAN
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
184,000 MILES

Hello,
I'm having a problem with this van where when I have it sitting at idle (such as at a stop, parking, etc. Anywhere the engine is at about 1000 RPMs) the steering is very hard (i.E. Feels like there is no power steering at all). I have changed the power steering pump (the old one was worn out and squealing) bleed the system and changed the serpentine belts and set the idle.

All this and now it is still hard to steer at idle if I rev the engine up to about 2000 RPMs the steering is just fine. I don't think this is normal but I'm not sure, I suspect it could be the power steering gear but I would like your advice be for replacing that.

This problem makes parking this van difficult so if I can I would like to fix this soon.

Thanks so much for any help,
~Zechariah

3 Replies

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

With the van running turn the wheel watch the tire how far to move the wheel befrore tire moves?
Also jack both wheels off ground does it get easier?
Let me know

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 AT 2:35 PM

Z_STAMP

MEMBER
3 POSTS

The steering is tight about 2-3 inches before the wheels start to turn and yes it turns easy at idle when I jack it up. So what does this mean?

Thanks,
Zechariah

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, June 26th, 2008 AT 6:36 PM

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

That confirms your steering gear is the culprit. Probably worn piston seals so when bring up the RPMS pressure increases enough to move piston worm gear and turn pitman arm. You could try to put some slack in the gear box. Look on top of box you will see a cap 4 bolts in the middle is there a nut with a screw inside, if so losen nut back out on the screw couple turns tighten and try steering.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Friday, June 27th, 2008 AT 7:57 AM