Steering/Diff issue

Calling all DriveTrain specialists-MAX, Climber, BAC...

I have this situation happening that Im having trouble pin-pointing. Ill start off with car and mods that may have something to do with it

06LGT 5EAT 80k.. Koni w/STi Pinks, Whiteline LCA and Anti Lift Kit, Cusco Sway Bar, 2254517 DWS.. Trans has cooler on it and has been regularly serviced, diffs have been serviced at least once..

When backing out of a parking spot and turning the wheel hard the vehicle acts as if there is little to no power steering, the front of vehicle seems to shake/jump with wheel rotation and engine rpms drop like its fighting the power steering system. Steering fluid is full and good, no play in steering anywhere and dont see any failed bushings in the front.

It almost feels like your moving a vehicle with a flat tire on one side. Then as soon as you straighten wheel its back to normal again.

Im hoping this isnt the beginning of a diff failure

Any input would be appreciated

Thanks

Is the transmission hot/cold at this condition? Have you tried driving in figure 8's?

 

Is your power steering belt properly tightened and in good condition?

Id say your power steering pump is going bad. its seems like its starting to fail at high turning loads which is during low speed maneuvers.

Comp- Id say it is definately worse when its warm, but doesnt happen all the time. The power steering belt is tight, it is getting dry but has no cracks and makes no noise

Tiger- I checked the fluid and see no metal particles in it and its not airated at all, and makes no noises to make me think its a bad pump, is there anything else I should look for/at to verify pump issue?

Do figure 8's with the car after highway driving for 20 minutes. If it binds, it could be center diff.

 

Rear diff I'm not read up on.

Thanks ill try that.. anyone got any other ideas?

Comp- Id say it is definately worse when its warm, but doesnt happen all the time. The power steering belt is tight, it is getting dry but has no cracks and makes no noise

Tiger- I checked the fluid and see no metal particles in it and its not airated at all, and makes no noises to make me think its a bad pump, is there anything else I should look for/at to verify pump issue?

 

maybe bad steering rack(bad seals) or bad torsion valve. the key element that makes me think its a steering system issue, is because you say it happens when you are turning the wheel. diff issues present themselves if you just hold the wheel turned at or close to full lock and drive.

I'm having a similar issue. Mine occurs when i'm pulling into parking spots as well, and though my belt seems to be tight, it slips on start-up, then settles after about 4 seconds. I have the same loss of PS and shuddering when I put the pump under high load too... I'm subscribing...

Anyone else?

vacation pics?

Same issue here but it has been getting worse. Belt slips during low speed turns, almost no assist. I know it isn't the diffs because it happens when I am not rolling. I don't think it has anything to do with the rack because when the front is jacked up the steering moves smoothly and the belt doesn't slip. So I am down to fluid and pump (unless someone else has any other ideas). I tipped the tank and disconnected to return line to pump out the black fluid and replaced about a quart with clean fluid. Unfortunately it only seems to be worse now. It is possible that I got air into the system because the tank kept going dry within seconds of starting the car. How do I get the air out? Do I need a pump? What are the symptoms of a bad pump?

Crank steering wheel from side to side while stationary and it should bleed itself out. Hold it at the "locks" for an extra second to push the air to the top of the Reservoir and then top off as needed. I havent had a chance to really look into it any further, I got a LCP to install w/some new belts I was going to look more into it then.. but its still happening, and I have a feeling its more steering than diff

I feel so dumb. I took it to my mechanic and he took a quick look and we could see the pump stopping. He thought the belt looked good at first, but when feeling it, he noticed the ridges were sharp. We replaced it and presto, problem gone. When looking closer at the belt with it off the car, the wear was obvious. Looks like the original belt with 108k on it. I would suggest a closer inspection of the belt or replacement (it was just over $10). But be careful not to over tension it, you can kill the bearings in your PS pump and alternator. On to more important things...brakes on order...