987687 Posted July 3, 2011 Share Posted July 3, 2011 Sorry if this has been covered before, I couldn't really find exactly what I was looking for. I don't drive my 89 GL very often, maybe once every week or two. Yesterday I took it out for a drive for the first time in over a week and a half. Nothing was wrong with it then. But now, the steering wheel sticks every half turn, pretty bad. It won't turn back by itself after going around a corner, I almost have to force it around. It got better with some driving, but it's still there. Power steering fluid is a fine level/colour, the pump turns freely, no bearing noise, no play in the pully, no leaking, etc. The steering rack boots aren't torn and the tie rod ends are nice and tight. All I can think is it has something to do with the linkage/u-joint. Or maybe the struts binding when turning?? It does it when not moving too, so I don't think it could be an axle.... But I'd like some input before I go throwing parts at it. Thanks much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
el_freddo Posted July 3, 2011 Share Posted July 3, 2011 G'day 987687 Have a mate turn the steering wheel while you check out the knuckles on the end of the steering column in the engine bay. If one of these is cactus you'll need to replace it as it could be causing the binding at every half turn. Cheers Bennie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
987687 Posted July 7, 2011 Author Share Posted July 7, 2011 Anybody? Please? Rally drive type stuff is coming up and I need my car working! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralDisorder Posted July 7, 2011 Share Posted July 7, 2011 He answered you - you need to replace your steering coupler! GD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
987687 Posted July 7, 2011 Author Share Posted July 7, 2011 Is it swappable with any EJ subarus? EA stuff here is pretty hard to find, and usually all rusted out when I do find it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralDisorder Posted July 7, 2011 Share Posted July 7, 2011 Depends on the length - some EJ's use longer coupler's than other's. You'll have to measure. Spray it down with some penetrant and see if you can free up the rusted joints. GD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subaruguru Posted July 7, 2011 Share Posted July 7, 2011 if you end up needing a steering joint i have one i can sell you on the cheep Cheers R. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
987687 Posted July 7, 2011 Author Share Posted July 7, 2011 Do I have to drop the crossmember any to get it out? Or can I slide the joint up on one end, then slide it off? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
987687 Posted July 7, 2011 Author Share Posted July 7, 2011 (edited) So I answered my own question. Got the sucker out. Amazingly, not rusted in there at all! I let it soak a few hours. Then the bolts came out, no battle. I used a chizel to span the collars, then just hammered it right off. I was amazed at how easy it was... Anyway, the joint is very bad, one is really sticky, the other is completely loose. if you end up needing a steering joint i have one i can sell you on the cheep Cheers R. You have a PM incoming, thank you! Sorry if the message sent twice, I'm having weird issues with the forum... Edited July 7, 2011 by 987687 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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