Started the car up yesterday and pulled out of my parking spot and found the steering wheel difficult to turn. I have driven cars without PS before and know how difficult they can be to turn and it is somewhat similar to this. Here is what is different though:

If i turn the wheel slightly at a 5MPH roll, it turns fine for the first 20 degrees, then it becomes stiff and requires quite a bit of force for the next 30 degrees, then becomes fine again for the duration of the turn, and it does the same thing as I restore the wheel to the center position.

Checked tires pressure...fine.
PS Fluid level...fine.
Checked belt...fine.
Checked for leaks...fine.
Checked lug nuts...fine.

Above 20MPH the car handles and turns with ease. No wobbling at higher speeds, car drives straight as an arrow.

I have been driving like a granny for the past month, so I doubt anything is bent/damaged, but I am NOT ruling this out.

06Z 6MT
48K
Stock suspension
255/40/18 tires on the front- 10k miles on them
Never been tracked.
Haven't hit a pothole/curb/roadkill in almost 2 years.

Anything else i should check before ordering a PS pump online? There isn't a single replacement PS pump in my city (except for the $1100 oem dealer rplcmnt) and this is my DD, although I only have to drive 3 miles to work.

And any tips on replacing one? I couldn't find a DIY thread on it.

Thanks!

 

It's gotta be the pump. I'd double check with a mechanic first, though.

 

 

If it's only three miles, you can walk to work.

The replacement procedure is in section PS of the service manual. There are several places online where you can download it. Some are free.

 

This is Texas...nobody walks!!!

I would walk but I work early in the morning when it is dark and I have to cross a major interstate.

Thanks for the info on the service manual...i am going to hunt for that right now.

For anybody researching this, NAPA carries a PS pump that is a 1-2 day special order for $150.

I am going to do a DIY photo write-up on this job as it's about time i give back to the community.