I am by no means an experienced mechanic,
I bought a Z from a friend a few months ago, since he is concentrating on his second gen Z and was willing to sell relatively cheap.

Anyway, on to the point:
When making sharp turns (or when pulling into parking spaces) my power steering goes completely out. The fluid looks OK, but the pump/belt looks wobbly when its running.
I just bought a new power steering pump
and Im gonna install it Thursday (along with my water pump that completely exploded today at the 7-11 parking lot).

Does this sound like the pump is at fault here, or did I just waste $50?..what else should I check that could cause the steering problem?.. too bad I dont have a place to work on the car..taking it to a friends garage thursday and we'll see what happens..

thanks guys, any opinion would help




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1983 Camaro Z28 - 350 smallblock .030 over
milled GM X-rods - Keith Black Hypereutetic pistons
Comp Cams roller rockers and stud gurdles
Wolverine Camshaft - Edelbrock Torker II
Edelbrock 600 CFM Performer
Centerforce Dual Friction clutch - Hurst shifter
Dynomax catback system, hedman headers and y-pipe

1997 Oldsmobile Aurora

 

Make sure the belt is tight before taking it apart.

If the belt is flopping its too loose.

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ASE Mechanic/Machinist/Smog Tech

1999 NBM Trans Am
1986 Chevy 3/4 ton pick up
1981 corvette
1995 Kawi ZX6R
and 2 POS commuters...

R.I.P. #3
"He can see air"

 

sounds like the pump was fine, just the belt was incredibly loose, it went out as when you make a turn it puts alot of strain on the pump causing it to grip better, but sence it was so loose it wasnt gripping, well at least you have a new pump. make sure the belt is tight! should be about and inch of play up and down.

 

I really appreciate the info! Thanks a million!.. maybe it is just the belt.. but
a new pump couldnt hurt, and i need the mechanic practice!..

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1983 Camaro Z28 - 350 smallblock .030 over
milled GM X-rods - Keith Black Hypereutetic pistons
Comp Cams roller rockers and stud gurdles
Wolverine Camshaft - Edelbrock Torker II
Edelbrock 600 CFM Performer
Centerforce Dual Friction clutch - Hurst shifter
Dynomax catback system, hedman headers and y-pipe

1997 Oldsmobile Aurora