Hi guys,

Seems that I have a intermittent steering problems. One day there is power steering and then it's manual . I've checked the steering fluid and it's OK, at the right level. It also smells good not burnt . I'm thinking since theres no obvious external leakage it could be internally, maybe the pump or rack.
The  truck is a 2000 with 4Cly. It only has around 155 + kms. So I'm quite surprised !

Could anyone provide some insight on what might be the issue??
Thanks.

You obviously checked the belt right?
Other than that obvious thing, the pump or fuse is gone.

Thanks,

The belt is tight, and I'm hoping it's the pump, rack is around 800$. Don't think there's a fuse involved? Power steering . Guess a pressure gauge would help with troubleshooting, got to figure out how to install one. Hopfully there's a test port ?

Any insight 

I really hate to tell you this, but I've experienced this twoce on two different cars, (but not my Tracker yet) and it was the rack.  You start to turn the wheel it works then half way through the power quits.  Perhaps you can shop around for a rack that's cheaper?  Dave

Before you condemn the rack pull off the short shaft between the rack and the steering column that has the 2 u-joints in it and check for a seized joint. I just went through this on my 01. Replaced the shaft and it's good now.

All that has been posted in reply to your problem could be a help, but i had a small problem with something like that sorta symptoms.  Turns out there was a foreign body that kept my brake boost vacuum one-way check valve from opening all the way.  Air (vacuum) should only go one way.  ALso, have you done the booster test?  Engine off, pump out all residual vacuum in the booster so the pedal is up and hard, then with the pressure still on the brake pedal, start the car.  If the pedal drops away, the booster is probably good.  Hope this adds something.

Pat

2001 GV H25, auto, K&N air, BFG KO's (215/70/16). new KYB stock struts and shocks, Magnaflow secondary cat and muffler with 2.25 inch pipe

All that has been posted in reply to your problem could be a help, but i had a small problem with something like that sorta symptoms.  Turns out there was a foreign body that kept my brake boost vacuum one-way check valve from opening all the way.  Air (vacuum) should only go one way.  ALso, have you done the booster test?  Engine off, pump out all residual vacuum in the booster so the pedal is up and hard, then with the pressure still on the brake pedal, start the car.  If the pedal drops away, the booster is probably good.  Hope this adds something.

Pat

Wrong thread.  I hope.

If it turns out to be the R&P unit, I recently pulled a rack and pinion unit out of a wreck at the local Pick-n-pull for $75.   Decent price and no indication of previous seal leakage. 

biker's comment about a frozen u-joint in the steering shaft is worthy of checking into as well.  I almost bought a 2 door from a dealer once who took it in on trade and I noticed the truck had the sporadic "drag" in the steering during my test drive.   I could have and should have low-balled them an offer on it "as is" because I am convinced this was the issue on that particular truck as well.   

Make sure your using the right Power Steering Fluid
Dont settle for the bargain when it comes to your engines fluids please I cant stress enough
Had the same steering problem changed the fluid and after about 1 or 2 days it was working great again......never dismiss the fluid even if it "LOOKS OK"

Thanks,

These are great !
 I will definitely get on all these suggestions.
Starting with the possible seized steering joints. Then the fluid change, since it's been on my mind as a starting point that would be easy on the pocket. Also I will check the local wrecking yards. Around here it's getting harder and harder to find a yard that will let you remove the parts yourself
I will keep you all updated.

Thanks a whole bunch .

Check the steering shaft U-joints!  Done a few at work that went bad before their time, but they were 1st gens, I think they might be semi-notorious for this. After the last one I replaced for work, I packed the boots around mine with grease and "sealed" 'em with zip-ties.

Hi all,
Seems it's the steering joints.
I sprayed WD and soaked them up. Right away became much better. It feels like it should now. The joints don't have any play so I'm debating what to do I priced out a new steering shaft and they are around 350. , but better than the rack price of 750.

Well better weather is coming so I'll replace steering fluid anyway and keep an eye out for a good price on a shaft and replace it as well.

Thanks.

Ouch.......350 for shafts? is that price including labour???

Ouch.......350 for shafts? is that price including labour???

That is just for the part, here in Canada I was quoted over $600 from GM for it.  I called Hawk Suzuki and they fixed me up for $50

I had the same problem with the joints years ago.  The dealer replaced the lower steering column with the joints for $450 which I think was parts and labor.