96 850 stiff steering. rack or pump?

[celeriac]

I have a 96 850 turbo wagon and the steering has gone goofy. Initially it would have occasional fits of being stiff to steer, just enough to make me wonder if I was loosing my mind. Now it has become constantly tough to steer. It seems very linear, no hard spots then easy, etc. Fluid level is okay. In searching through old posts I haven't seen anything definitive on how to diagnose whether it is the pump or the rack. Thoughts?

[Ozark Lee]

Rack problems normally result in a leak or, less often, a place where the rack hangs up. Have you had to top the fluid off recently? If so, what did you use for fluid?

I accidentally mixed Dexron III with "power steering fluid" on my wifes old Jeep and I heard about it when she got home. It had turned into a thick goo full of air bubbles.

I would be inclined to secretly sneak into the kitchen and swipe the turkey baster. Suck out all of the old fluid, refill with ATF, run the steering rack to rack several times and repeat the process a few times until the fluid looks like what you are pouring in and it has no bubbles.

If you continue to have steering difficulties then chances are the pump is the problem.

...Lee

Edit: Around next Thanksgiving you can either replace the turkey baster in advance or deny even knowing what a turkey baster is.

[celeriac]

I want to report back that the issue turned out to be the U joint going into the rack. Sprayed it liberally with LPS greaseless lubricant and it has been working splendidly.

[Ozark Lee]

That is terrific that it worked out so easily for you. You may ultimately need to replace that joint and it is a minor chore but enjoy steering! Thanks for closing the loop.

...Lee