Is steering related to ac?

[geber11]

I have a 1995 sport and just did a 3000 mile trip in it. It now has 66000 miles on it. I noticed that the steering has more of a dead spot or vague feel to it, maybe even loose feeling, at highway speed when the air conditioning is on vs. when the air is off. My girlfriend even noticed it. Addco sway bars front and rear, monroe reflex shocks, everything else is stock. Is this strange or what?

 

[Mbrooks420]

Nope, it makes perfect sence. There is probably a "hitch" starting to develope in the steering rack. When the AC is on it is parasitic to the serentine belt, and takes a little power from the power steering pump.

 

[MyExpWork]

^^Thats what I was thinking.

 

[geber11]

I wonder if some Lucas PS conditioner would help? or does it need a rebuild on the rack and pinion?
Thanks for the replies.

 

[IAmTodd]

I wonder if some Lucas PS conditioner would help? or does it need a rebuild on the rack and pinion?
Thanks for the replies.

Rebuild on the rack isn't worth it. I got mine for $130. $260 out the door including labor and alignment. Could be you pump though seeing that its when the AC is on and pulling more power away from the pump.

 

[geber11]

How about a bad u joint that goes between the rack and pinion and the steering column on the lower steering shaft, the boot is torn and it looks dirty inside the joint. I tried to clean and grease it and am waiting for a new boot to come in. Could it be binding? It doesnt feel like it in the steering. Ball joint boots are torn too now that I look at it. but there is no movement on the joints/wheel. bearings are tight too. Maybe it is the pump.