Thread: Bad Steering Pump, Rack or Both?

Been dealing with a noisy PS pump for quite some time now which I occasionally had to top off the fluid (using stop leak and regular fluid). It didn't really cause any driveability issues until recently when I was out for a ride and noticed a slight pulling sensation -from left to right- through the wheel. A day later I went to test it out again and the PS was totally dead. The fluid level was at the cold hash mark on the cap.

I did replace the rack boot a few months ago since it was ripped and noticed a slight leak while in there. I'm assuming the seals are shot so I may be replacing the whole rack (depending on price). I have a feeling the whole steering system should be replaced at this point but figured I'd get some opinions on here first.

Secondary question, how much $$ you guys think a 97 GTP with 130k miles and a bad steering system could fetch? I'm thinking like 2g's MAX.

Sounds like a rack to me. If you are going to replace it then get a good reman and call it a day. If you also decide to replace the power steering pump then remember to disconnect the wire for the rear knock sensor. It attaches to the bottom of the PS fluid resivoir. If you remove the pump with this attached it will rip it out.

Also, if you go to replace the rack check to see if it has Magansteer or not. If there is an electrical plug coming out around the steering boot area and it is connected to something then you have Magnasteer.

Not knowing the condition of the rest of the car I'd say 1-1,500 tops for it, and that is assuming it is clean, no rust and the rack is the only issue. Just my .02 though.

Yeah I was leaning towards the rack as well. I'm 99% sure it has magnasteer, so I'll start price shopping around for a replacement.

For being 21 years old it's in pretty decent condition; zero rust, paint is in great shape minus a few dings and it runs smooth. Kind of a money pit though since I fix one problem and another pops up right after. For example, I replaced all 4 struts, then the Crankshaft sensor went, now the rack goes. I think if I replace the rack the transmission will blow up lol.

Well, I think you just described most failure points on a 21 year old car. Those are all "wear items". They don't last forever. If you only knew how much I've replaced on my 00 GT you'd probably question my sanity. Then again, sometimes I even wonder I'm thinking. But in the end I have a decent car that has 95% less problems than buying another used POS with an unknown history and most anything that comes up I can replace myself with easily located and reasonably priced parts. Mods not included...

Ha! I hear ya man. I've kept pretty much every part receipt for my car since I bought it and the folder looks like a small phone book.

You have any recommendations on a decent brand for the rack and pump? I'm thinking Delco may be the safe way to go but wouldn't mind aftermarket as long as the reliability is there.

I went with AC Delco Reman on both. So far so good. I searched around on RockAuto, Ebay, PartsGeek and Amazon for the best price. I got mine from Ebay in the end.

I'm tempted to try the Detroit Axle based on price alone.

http://www.grandprixforums.com/brake...t=detroit+axle

Not sure if they are still the same or not, might want to check them out. With these types of things, I don't always base my decision on price, but more of how many times do I really want to do this replacement. I'm just as frugal as the next guy but when it's something I really don't want to have to f with again in the near future, be it a replacement part or a warranty BS issue I do my homework when I can. Not always easiest on the wallet but much less time consuming. I don't have any experience with them as I've never used their parts so just my .02.

Do all GTP's have magnasteer?

Not sure on the GTP's, but I know on the GT's it was an option and not standard equip.

I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that if there is a wire harness going to the rack that's the "Magnasteer". No clue if that's accurate though.

Yeah I'm def dropping the subframe. From your pic it looks like a good amount of room to work but I'm sure its still a pain in the ass. Good tips too I appreciate em. I'm gonna pick up some crowfoot flare wrenches just in case for the fittings.

Hopefully I can get this thing done over the weekend, the car needs an inspection badly. Cars been sitting for a while now and the inspection expired in august lol

Yeah 18mm sounds about right. Gonna go to HF tonight and pick up a cheap set of line wrenches. I'll update this once I get the parts installed.

The car has almost no rust (luckily), so I should be good on that front.

I like the idea of going in from the top though. Not a huge fan of laying on my back on concrete underneath of a car lol.