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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
84 Chevy
Celebrity, Reluctant Power Steering
Q: I have an '84 Chevrolet Celebrity, 2.8L V6 with over 132,000 miles.
When starting out, the power steering unit seems to lock. It is fine when
the car has been driven for a short distance. I can pull on the steering
wheel until the mechanism seems to "break" to get normal steering.
The problem is especially evident on cold mornings.
A: The
classic Chevy no power, power steering problem. It's amazing that your
Celebrity has lasted this long without experiencing this condition. Your
problem is likely the power steering rack. The fix will require a replacement
power steering rack. Don't install a used one! The rebuilt power steering
racks have been modified to prevent the reoccurrence of the problem, which
happens to be common to your vehicle. Have it checked by a qualified technician
to be sure that the power steering rack is the problem. In addition, be
sure that the power steering hoses and pump are flushed clean and new
power steering fluid installed when the steering rack is replaced.
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