Help Diagnosing Power Steering Issue

[SlyBlackDragon]

Over the last few weeks, my power steering is having some issues. It is intermittent, more off than on, but it responds directly to throttle. If I put in in neutral and try to turn the wheel, its all muscle. If I rev on the engine a little, it works a lot better. I'm assuming the pump is on the way out. It isn't leaking, and the fluid is clean and full.

If it is the pump, how difficult is this to do with a newbie pseudo mechanic? I prefer working on my own car for the learning experience and not to mention saving a lot of money.

Any guidance?

 

[matt5112]

Bleed the system.

 

[Scottydoggs]

is the pump whining at all, when revved or when turning, if so it could be the pump, on the bad side it could be the rack and pinion going bad. does it turn easier to the right? and hard to the left, as you said its all muscle to turn if sitting still.

mine made no noise, i changed the pump, still no power, then got a used rack and swapped that in, now it turns like butter.

pumps not to bad to do your self, the rack is doable, just no fun at all, mine took me 4 hours by my self to do. (first time doing a rack)