Having a bit of an odd issue with my '87 GX. I noticed recently that when I'm at idle and on a slow roll the car feels like it has no power steering (for example taking a parking spot) however when I blip the throttle and give her some revs it seems to be restored......any thoughts?? could it be the PS pump on its way out? its a 30 year old car with 126k km all OEM I wouldn't be surprised.

 

Did you check the power steering fluid level? Also, check and see if the belt is slipping. It's curious that it comes back if you blip the throttle.

The power steering computer will usually make an incredibly irritating beeping noise when there is a problem, is there any beeping in the cabin? The computer is under the dash to the left of the steering column, it's a little box with a long white connector. Mine used to beep only after a few minutes of idling, so maybe idle it for awhile and see if it starts beeping.

 

Haven't driven it in a month or so cuz of winter but I definitely remember the beep it was very annoying and definitely present

 

As mentioned before make sure the level is full, also make sure there is not any air in the system. Usually if the system is low enough in fluid the power steering pump will wine, but in theory you most likely have a bad power steering pump, if your not getting good assist at idle but when you hit the throttle the extra rpm on the pump will allow more fluid to flow and have better power steering assist. If your going to throw parts at it, I would start with a power steering pump and make sure the system is bleed completely.

 

Thanks man, I'm gunna start there once I get a good working space for this car, appreciate the response!

 

The beeping should give you an error code, which might be hard to diagnose if you have winterized the car and can't start it. Before buying a pump, listen for the number of beeps and see if it indicates a different problem. The P/S error codes are in the FAQ for this section.

 

Thanks! I'll look around the FAQ tonight after work. Would an OBD1 scanner pick up the code as well?

 

We don't have OBD1.

We don't even have a check engine light.

 

I've only had the 7 for a few months so I wasn't sure, thanks

 

We "do" have a check engine light..it is otherwise known as a FLASHLIGHT!..
..(stopped on dark highway at 3am..WTF is leaking now.what is that noise..where did my pistons go??...mom?.....hahhaaa!)