Power steering gets hard. Things to check?

[OneofFew]

I have read that this is a common problem in these but have not read about a solution. The power steering pump does not make noises like you would expect if straining. The problem seems to be worse when the engine is hot versus cold.

 

[swathdiver]

Have the oil analyzed and see if it has sildenafil in it.

 

[sumo]

Can try flushing it.

 

[SnowDrifter]

Could you provide more details? When does the issue occur? Speed? Engine RPM? Temperature? Driving conditions? OE or aftermarket pump

 

[Scottydoggs]

steering box time if its hard to turn left only when its acting up.

 

[OneofFew]

Could you provide more details? When does the issue occur? Speed? Engine RPM? Temperature? Driving conditions? OE or aftermarket pump

I appreciate the reply. Low speed maneuvering. Low engine rpm. backing in and out of spots. Seems worse when engine is hot.

 

[SnowDrifter]

Sounds like the pump might be wearing. OE or aftermarket? When the problem occurs, can you solve it by revving the engine slightly?

What fluid are you using? FWIW I had similar issues when trying to quickly turn the wheel at idle with a hot engine. I'd max the flow rate of the pump and could only turn it so fast. Switched it to RP fluid (little thicker than the redline that was in there before) and it seemed to alleviate it. Take that how you will. I'll be replacing my pump at some undetermined point in the nearish future. Depends when I can be bothered with it.

p.s.(heh, get it?) use an OE pump. When I worked in a shop, I lost track of how many come backs we got from folks complaining of the same, only to find that pretty much every aftermarket power steering pump didn't work worth a damn. Had a chat with parts, switched OE only and haven't had an issue since

 

[OneofFew]

Sounds like the pump might be wearing. OE or aftermarket? When the problem occurs, can you solve it by revving the engine slightly?

What fluid are you using? FWIW I had similar issues when trying to quickly turn the wheel at idle with a hot engine. I'd max the flow rate of the pump and could only turn it so fast. Switched it to RP fluid (little thicker than the redline that was in there before) and it seemed to alleviate it. Take that how you will. I'll be replacing my pump at some undetermined point in the nearish future. Depends when I can be bothered with it.

p.s.(heh, get it?) use an OE pump. When I worked in a shop, I lost track of how many come backs we got from folks complaining of the same, only to find that pretty much every aftermarket power steering pump didn't work worth a damn. Had a chat with parts, switched OE only and haven't had an issue since

I have not had the vehicle long, PO said he had replaced the PS pump at one point under warranty but that puts the pump at about 5-7 years old. I would not have expected one to be worn out that fast.
The fluid is dark red. The pump runs very quiet and there are no other noises occurring when turning.

 

[OneofFew]

Yes, raising the rpm alleviates the issue, of course that is hard to do with an auto trans.

 

[SnowDrifter]

Maybe so, but that was your diagnostic confirmation. You need a pump