My sons 96 Stratus lost its power assist turning left. Are we looking at a new and expensive rack or can we be lucky and maybe a valve or weak pump? Wheel turns easy steering to right but like a log truck turning wheel left. He's a broke college student and his dad is cheap.Thanks in advance.

 

Question, was the wheel ever hit, like sliding in the ice/snow? I saw at my work, not the same but just brainstorming, the link had fallen off, it was easy to turn one way, but harder to turn the other. I would assume that it would apply if it was bent too.

However, I think that your troubleshooting has led to the most likely culprit, a blocked valve. I'll have to take a look around to see what I can pull up. I am not sure of what valves are used for our cars, but nothing a little hydraulic knowledge can't help with.

 

I found this already, possibly solution, most likely cheapest before anything else: http://www.2carpros.com/forum/1998-d...ems-vt495.html

food for thought: http://autorepair.about.com/library/faqs/bl274f.htm

 

You don't have "poor returnability of steering to center" do you?

What I have read under "hard steering"

1. Lack of lubrication at balljoint, tie-rod ends and rack and pinion assembly
2. low power steering fluid level
3. Faulty power steering pump
4. Front wheel alignment out of specification
5. low tire pressure.

That is right out of the Haynes manual in troubleshooting section. I mean I could read you how to remove and install in that section, but that's all I could find for possible problem/solutions. Besides what I have posted already.