hi, so I'm new to this forums and I've incountered some problems with my car. I got this car last week, the major problems are my power steering and brakes. first off I would like to say I'm a girl and illiterate when it comes to mechanical work lol. I want to take it to the shop and check everything out but I live on top of a very steep hill and have not yet attempted to drive the car down (driving up was fine).

Ok so my power steering has a leak somewhere. I haven't yet checked where it's leaking from.And what is the rack and pinion? I called a shop and they told me if that was broken it's expensive to replace?

the major one is the brakes, I heard it might be the brake booster but how can I tell if it's that? the brakes are really stiff, it works but I have to push really hard on it. there's no loud sounds or noises.

I really do hope I hear some responses soon, the entire car needs some kind of work from interior to body and with this problem on top of it, I'm not sure if all this is even worth it in the end financially speaking...your inputs would be so much help.

Thanks guys ^___^

 

power steering leaks can happen anywhere in the system. there's, like, 100 places for leaks to happen.

Brakes are likely the the vacuum line, typically a 5-minute fix. However, Brake Booster is a possibility.

 

Try some Lucas in the power steering fluid. I fixed my problems.

 

Is it possible to find out if this car is a sc300 or sc400?
It may lead to someone providing pictures of where to look, what things are when looking for them if you are doing this yourself,
and what other problems may arise from the above listed symptoms..

 

i hate to say this. but a power steering leak on these cars can be a big job to replace. you might wanna leave something like this to a professional. those bottles of power steering fluid that have stop leak in them are hit or miss.

you probably need a rack and high pressure hose, rack bushings as well.

 

You're unable to read or write when it comes to mechanical work?

 

My suggestion to get past the point of being "mechanically illiterate" would be to find a local shop to take it too, have them diagnose and show you exactly what the problem is. Then simply take the car home, and replace the parts they told you.

Basic mechanics isnt anything more than addition and subtraction. You add so many parts together, you have a steering system, you take one of those parts out, and it just parts. Dont skimp yourself out of a fading art, cheat your way into it.

Let the mechanic tell you what needs to be replaced, make sure they show you that part, then track it down, do a quick search on how to replace it, and get those nails dirty.

 

well guys.. if i lived up on top of a hill and i was concerned about my brakes.. im sure theres a few things i can look at, that may put my mind at ease about driving it down the hill. even without break fluid. your E-Brake works on cables (albiet just the rear tires), and I would be suggested to keep the transmission in L or 1st gear to help keep the car more controllable while heading downhill at a slow speed as you may not Know how effective your brakes are.

So im pretty sure what shes asking is what can she look at to ensure her safety so she CAN drive it down.. or to ensure that she DOESNT drive it down..

 

Anulyph owns a 95 SC400.

Check brake fluid reservoir for proper level/color on top of master cylinder which is next to brake booster.(large disc looking thing on firewall) And if you have a friend who can help you out, flush the brake fluid with new one and bleed out all lines. Also, check to see if your E-brake engages when you pull the lever. That will be kind of an insurance if your regular brakes fail in addition to selecting L when going down hill.

On SC400, power steering leaks will drip on to alternator and ruin it in the long run so try to take care of it as soon as possible. Good luck!

 

Thanks to all of you that replied back... Soarer93 thanks for the tip. yeah I'm not trying to skimp out on repairs like I said I'm just scared of going down the hill, my plan was to try and at least figure out what could be the problem that way I kind of know how much I'll be spending when I get to the mechanics so i know if its worth keeping this car or not. once I drive it down I don't want to drive it back up unless its all fixed