recently I changed my steering coupler,and messed with the "gear lash adjust" on top of the ps gear,first test drive it was much too tight it handled good but the wheel would stay which ever way it was turned,making it a challenge just to keep a straight line. I knew it wasn't good but I still drove a mile to the carwash,coming back the steering started to make little whining noises(like when the wheel is held at lock) then I began losing a little power assist. when I got home I could hear the gearbox whining(without turning the steering wheel) I could feel the vibration in my hands,more when the motor was reved. after lifting her up I discovered I could barley move the wheels with my hands! I readjusted the gear lash(shouldn't have messed with it in the first place )and the rack moved freely again it handles awesome but I think something bad is going to happen,like unexpected loss of power assist . most ps i've ever seen act up once and a while and then go back to normal as long as fluid is maintained.should I just drive it and see what happens or start looking for a new gear box?could the pump be damaged too? know any good donor cars? does any one sell affordable new or rebuilt ps components?I'm going for suspension rebuild soon and I really don't want this to hinder my efforts

 

Did the noise go away when you readjusted the lash? If so, then you should not have any prob. If not, a low fluid level will make the noise you describe. The fluid should come half way up the dip stick when cold. As for rebuilding the components, I recently rebuilt my pump with new O rings and gaskets all the way through it. Had to purchase a special puller but other than that it was simple. There are companies that specialize in repairing the steering sectors so you may want to rsearch that aspect. If I can find the name of some specific companies I'll post them.

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'84Z28/'92 305TPI
'92 complete rear suspension/PBR disc/Posi/3:42
Light weight 34.5mm stabilizer bar in front
23mm sta. bar in rear
rear lowered 1" by cutting 1 1/4 coils of '84Z28 springs
comp cam, flowmaster
TB coolantbypass/shutoff valve to heater core
MAT relocated
Ram-Air(home-made) gutted air-box
IROC ground effects/wheels GY245/50's
700R4 superior shift kit/ corvette servo(excellent shift kit BTW) Rebuilt engine and transplanted it myself. Love this engine!
LOW performance people should drive low performance vehicles!

 

thanks '84, I think I'm screwed because it has fluid, it steers fine but still makes the noise. rebuilding the components sounds like fun though,it always leaked any ways,it would be nice to see less stains under my car ,I'd really rather be at the beach though so I'm going to hunt down a good refurbishing shop,should be easy to find someone in So. Cal