I drive to my girlfriends house (about a 40 minute drive) and I leave at 400am. When I leave my car starts fine but when I turn the wheel it is like it is rubbing against something, when I work it side to side it goes away. Does anyone know what is wrong? Thanx in advance.

Chris,
I am assuming that you have power steering. This is a common problem as the power steering system ages. Sometimes it is as simple as a slipping belt. It can also be something in the steering box, I think there are check balls that can stick and cause the problem. The first thing I would try is flushing out the power steering system and putting in new fluid. This cured the problem on my 85 Blazer. It is a messy job but not to hard to do. If the fluid change does not help, the next step is probably finding someone to rebuild the box. Hope this helps.

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Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md

Use synthetic oil in your steering box. The viscosity of regular fluid is thicker when it is cold, making it harder to turn the wheel. With synthetics, the oil will never get thinner or thicker. It just stays where you want it to. This will fix your problem.

4:00 AM ? I suspect sabotage by your girlfriends father. Check for partially cut P.S. hoses !

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Is this a Chevelle? Newer cars with rack and pinion steering are noted for this. The famous "GM Steering Fiasco" I think. Wear in the cheaply made valve mechanism requires replacing the rack unit. Never really heard of a power steering gearbox doing this. Could be some moisture in the unit or just dirty fluid maybe. This is a strange one here under the shadetree. tom

I'm guessing it's the chocks your girlfriend put against your tires so you can't leave. von

0400?!?!?! I don't turn very well at that time in the morning EITHER!!! I'm with BillK on this one.

Fred

What kind of car ?

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Dean Call
A.C.E.S. # 00235
N.C.O.A. # 4350

macc.chevelles.net (http://macc.chevelles.net)

This is in my 1970 Chevelle Malibu w/ a 307 (temporarily). It only seems to do it around 400am only though. When I leave for work on other days at 830 I have no problems. Thanks for the replys.

Oh yeah. When it sticks, it only sticks when I turn the wheel clockwise. Thanx

Check to see if the pulley and resevoir is mounted loosely. If it sticks when you turn clock wise (towards the center pulley) when it is cold and the belt hasn't expanded due to heat, then it could be just because it is mounted a little loose and the belt slips.

-Joe Y.

Go to your girlfriend's house the night before and stay over!

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Robert

www.classiccarlot.com (http://www.classiccarlot.com) (15% discount for my fellow Chevelle owners!)