Dead spots in steering

[nyquil]

Hello Zilvia people.
Lately I've been getting fed up with my power steering feel. I replaced oem pump that went dead a few months ago with a new autozone unit. Worked fine but recently I've noticed dead spots in the steering. At some point in the turn, the wheel completely looses assist. I've checked for leaks, and there are none, pump seems to be working fine as well, and no noises. Ideas? Thank you.

[Nikeboy355]

Did you bleed the PS system when you installed the pump?...
Basically you just keep turning the steering wheel completely left and right while checking the fluid levels...

[emayearecee]

same thing happened to my s13 a few months back, it ended up being the rack and pinion.

i took it off and took it a local guy that rebuilds them and he said debris had built up inside (i guess 15 years will do that.. hahaha)

good luck!

[nyquil]

Did you bleed the PS system when you installed the pump?...
Basically you just keep turning the steering wheel completely left and right while checking the fluid levels...

Yes it was bled and filled properly.

Any quick check methods for finding out if it might be the rack and pinion?

[Neejay]

Also, did you use ATF or Power steering fluid?

[emayearecee]

sorry.. no quick checks i know of for the rack and pinion.. i hope someone else can contribute

but i do remember everytime i made a right turn there was one point where it felt like i really had to force the wheel past that spot ( worse than turning a wheel without power steering at a stop) and when the wheel would turn back I had to FORCE past that same spot... it sure made for some adventurous driving until i got it fixed


sorry it took so long to get back to this