At idle it doesn't work.

But if I rev it up a bit it does.

The only thing I can think of is that the pump itself is on its way out. Fluid level is fine.

 

Either that or belt tension. Your belt worn a little? Also, is the engine idling up when you turn in either direction? Or is it idling down?

Jarrett

 

My car idles unusually low most of the time to begin with. Like, 500 RPM's. When I turn the wheel at idle it doesn't affect the RPM's like you'd expect it to.... or like it used to.

The belt itself is fairly new. A year or so ago I was having problems with the A/C and P/S pump belts flying off at 7000 RPM's. I got that sorted out and haven't had problems until recently.

My only thought is that the P/S pump can no longer provide the necessary pressure required to overpower the wheels at idle. If I rev it up the P/S works, but it won't at idle.

 

There are some reasons why I asked...

There is an idle solenoid system thats SPECIFIC to the power steering only. Its supposed to raise the idle (kinda like a mini BAC) when the power steering is under load. Generally, a pump that isnt working at low RPMs but working at higher RPMs may not necessarily indicate a bad pump.

But sounds like you have eliminated the more obvious problems.

There is a checkout in the FSM for that system, I think its called the (Air bypass solenoid) or something to that effect.

Jarrett

 

hmm... I'll check into that. I'd rather not shell out the bucks for a new pump if that isn't the problem. Thanks for the tip.

 

No prob man.

I am sure someone has an extra pump too, if it comes to that.

Jarrett