I have a 1986 GXL that is stock. First, the ps doesnt work. I know that the steering gear is leaking something awful, and there is fluid in the pump, but no assist at all.....

also--I am looking at replacing the shocks and struts. Gonna keep it stock for now, and I am looking for the least expensive way to do this.....and if my car has AAS, can I just unplug the modules and use the non-AAS replacement shocks? The ones for AAS are ridiculous $$ compared to the standard ones

 

Yep, you can replace the AAS with regular.

Probably a dumb question, but is the PS belt on it? If you need a pump they are pretty easy to get.

 

yeah--I did check the belt. It is there. Thanks for the AAS answer....saves me tons of $$$...all four shocks will cost me less than just ONE of the AAS ones will!! How would I know if the pump was bad?? I know the steering gear needs replaced, but no idea about the pump

 

Replace the steering gear (rack?) and hoses. Then see what it feels like. Although, if you are leaking alot of fliud, there may be no problem other than it needing to be bled. Air in the PS system will act just like air in the brakes, no effect.

 

its strange though--the pump is full of fluid! I think the leaking came from one of the boots on the steering gear--boots on it are torn and shot. When I removed the plastic splash pan underneath, it had a lake of fluid on it, but there is no dripping or leaking going on now. I think it just needs to be replaced, but not sure if that would cause a total loss of assist.

 

How long have you had the car?