Hard Steering on a Plymouth Breeze?

[CrappiesNeyes]

I have a 98 Plymouth Breeze with 175,000 miles on it that I drive every day to work and back. Ever since the colder weather started, the steering is very hard and sometimes "notchy" for the first 30 seconds of driving or so. Also the belt (only a couple months old) is squealing alot during this time. I am assuming that this is a rack problem but could there also be a problem with the PS pump? Also, is there anyway to diagnose one vs the other? I am pretty mechanical but I have never delt with any rack & pinion issues before. Any advice / info would be appreciated. Thanks in advance, C&E.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Check the belt tension for the power steering oumo. It may be loose causing both symptoms. Otherwise it is normal for the power steering to be stiff in colder weather but there shouldn't be a loss of power assist.

Another thought is to have the power steering fluid flushed. This has solved a variety of issues for us at the shop. I would deffinetely check the belt first!

[Shack]

A double up on what Airjer said.

I would check fluid in power steering reservoir. Pull dip stick and wipe on white paper towel or toilet paper. If you see little metal flakes, something is starting into a concern with rack. If you see/smell burning fluid, it’s probably just old and broke down. Flush system and it should take care of your concern.

When in doubt, have it checked out. Steering is not a fun this to have locked up or go out.

Good luck!

[jltimm]

How do you go about flushing the powersteering system?

[Jeremy airjer W]

We have a machine that seems simple and crude but amazingly works well. The do it yourselfers can remove the return line, start the vehicle and dump fluid in the reservoir. It might be a little more involved than that but basically its how you would do it.

[Shack]

What Airjer said, or if you have a squeeze bulb, suck out fluid in reservoir until bone dry (eng. off) and fill with new fluid. Repeat until fluid is clean. This is not a flush and will not get debris out of system, but will get you new fluid in system.

[jltimm]

Thanks for the info guys! The reason I'm asking is that the wifes '95 Camry has a squeal when sitting still and trying to turn the wheel, but once underway it works fine. I'll have to check the belt tension, otherwise do a "redneck" flush.

[Shack]

Worn/glazed over belt or belt is loose.

If belt is tight and no hunks are missing, you can apply a little dielectric grease to quit down squeal for a awhile. I like to apply with steal bristle detail brush and while eng. is on. Just be careful not to get brush stuck in belt and pulley. Also apply dielectric grease to both back and front side of belt. This will keep belt quit for a long period of time. I never liked store bought belt dressing’s, maybe it is because I have a life time supply of dielectric

"redneck flush" LOL

[Jeremy airjer W]

Die electric grease? Really??

[Shack]

Darn tooten.

I learned it from Chrysler (it was in service

bulletin in the mid to late 1990's). One of the Mpls. Chrysler dealers I worked at then, had a little cardboard box with a couple of those red detail steel and brass brushes in it and a tube of Dielectric grease in it. After starting their and working a couple of months, I asked what in the world was that for (only ford experience prior). One of the other advisors told me what it was for and the rest is history. Helps you rule out pully or belt making noise.

Try it next time you hear a belt squeal, you will be amazed!

[Jeremy airjer W]

I'll definitely give it a whirl!