sunblinds

I've changed the rack, pump, soliniod and still the steering is hard. Where do I go from here. A $1000. later and I'm just where I started.
HELP I'm sick about this.

pito

Is there a speed sensor to assist with steering?

Just trying to stir up the diagnostic juices.

sunblinds

I think so. It was made 5/97 before they changed the system.

pito

The reason I ask is my old Infiniti Q45 had the same problem. The steering would feel heavy at most times and then once and a blue would be smooth as butter. I tried a number of expensive repairs, to find out that a speed sensor connected to the power steering system was the culprit.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

check that the lines arent blocked by bits of ur pump and rack

justfixit

There is a Steering ECU located under driver side dash on left side of steering column toward firewall. This ECU applies variable voltage to steering rack solenoid depending on vehicle speed. Unplug the solenoid on the steering rack and check voltage on wire harness side (not solenoid harness). Cant remember exact voltage but I think it is 8 volts and when vehicle speed exceeds 48 MPH the voltage will drop. The more voltage that is applied to solenoid the easier the steering will be. At higher speeds above 48 MPH you do not want as much assist. I have seen a few of these ECUs go bad but if you have changed or checked all the components you listed then I would suspect this ECU. This ECU gets an input from the right rear speed sensor and if this speed sensor was defective you would have an ABS malfunction light on.
Good luck