If my car is idling and I turn the wheel sometimes it is very difficult to turn. Once the car is moving its no issue at all. I was thinking it could be a voltage problem but the meter always reads over 13V. Turning into parking spots can be very hard. I know nothing about steering so what are some things I could check? Thanks!

 

Probably a failing power steering pump. At idle, the PS pump isn't rotating as quickly as while driving. Perhaps one of the internal seals is leaking and/or blown, and the extra pressure is required to restore a "normal-ish" feel. Does it make any whining noises?

 

When you sit in park and rev the engine, does the steering get easier?

 

Check the simples first before you replace the PS Pump.

Is that belt worn or loose? Is the Power Steering Fluid at the level it should be?

If the PS Belt needs changed, do so. If the Power Steering Fluid is low, add more.

the true problem is more than likely a power steering pump going out if those two check out OK.

 

How relieable are the steering assemblys in out cars. I am talking the whole thing fron tilt to pump. Is there anything we should be looking for as far as failures. let us know

 

the most often steering woe is play in the steering wheel that is fixed by taking the wheel off, and loctiting and torqueing down the 3 torx screws there.

I've never read anything from anyone here saying that their steering box broke, except for those w/o a wonderbar that had their steering box crack. But even that isn't very common.

 

This may sound really dumb but where do I check the steering fluid.

 

The reservoir is located on the pump itself. On your '86, the pump is on the driver's side of the engine block, directly below the air conditioning compressor (if you have A/C). There's a little round cap that unscrews.