Intermittent Power Steering...

[MPK4580]

Hey everyone I apologize about another power steering post, I searched for an hour but can't find a similar problem. I have a 96 GT 5spd with really high miles. The car has been sitting for 2 months as I fix and replace things. Last week I took it for a drive and the steering felt really tight and when you turn the wheel its hard then lightens up for a bit and back to hard. My brakes are fine there is no leaks and fluid is full. My tie rod end boots ripped and covered in something, so I was leaning toward replacing the tie rod ends and possibly ball joints. Then if that doesn't work install new rack and pump with new lines ?

thanks for your help

 

[mustangmike6996]

could be a couple of different things... mainly what im thinking is a faulty rack. it sounds like there are some worn teeth inside the rack itself. if not you may have a pump on the way out or hydroboost unit going.

 

[wmburns]

Inspect the lower ball joints first, then steering rack.