Steering issue

[krazyrabbit]

I replaced the engine in my auto 96’ GT with a 2001 this past April, it then sat in my garage waiting for money for other upgrades. Tried to drive it two weeks ago but transmission died so had that rebuilt last week. When I picked up the car the steering was very tight, hard to turn the wheel. I immediately checked the power steering fluid, but it was full. Since this problem was new I took it back to the shop. They told me that the fluid was actually too full, but couldn’t find out why the steering was so tight. They suggested that I let them drain, clean and refill, I told them to go ahead. I drove the car 70 miles today, it’s a bit better but it’s still hard to turn, especially turning the wheel counter clockwise – turning left.

Any suggestions as to why this problem is occurring?

 

[FivepointSlow]

Wrong power steering fluid?
Pump going bad?
Maybe they screwed something up underneath when they worked on the transmission?

The only thing you've successfully ruled out if fluid level. But the wrong type can cause huge problems. I threw some cheap Autozone fluid in my power steering pump made for hondas, but I'm replacing it anyways so I didnt care, my pump is louder than a fcuking freight train, but wrong fluid can cause other problems then noise.

 

[the5.ohh]

Sometimes my wheel feels like this when i try to turn the wheel all the way. Feels like it almost gets stuck than goes. I do notice the power steering fluid reservoir cap is usually a little wet with p/s fluid

 

[krazyrabbit]

Sometimes my wheel feels like this when i try to turn the wheel all the way. Feels like it almost gets stuck than goes. I do notice the power steering fluid reservoir cap is usually a little wet with p/s fluid

I feel resistance with even a slight turn, almost like it's a manual instead of power. I don't think it's the wrong fluid because before the car sat for months the steering was fine.

What are the signs of the pump going bad?

 

[rz5.0]

Have you checked all the lines for any kinks or collapse hose. .

 

[CC'S95GT]

Look at the steering shaft where it passes the header.
Since you had the trans and engine out/ replaced, the engine could be kicked over to the driver side some and the header is now hitting the steering shaft.