I recently got a '91 n/a. It seems to run pretty well for the most part, but the steering is shot. There is enough fluid, but I have NO power steering.

It seems harder to turn left than to turn right. Whe I turn right there is a loud whining noise.

The car pulls to the right a little and you can feel a shimmy between 45 and 55 mph (most significant at about 50), although I'm sure an alignment will fix that problem.

What is the first thing I should suspect as the problem with the steering? PS Pump? Bushings? The whole setup?

The person I got the car from seems to think it's the rack and pinion system and that it will take quite a bit to repair, but I don't know if a mechanic told him that or if he is assuming.

Thanks

 

Could be anything. First, check to see if you PS lines are clogged at all.

 

dumb question, is the power steering belt intact?
sometimes it's the simplest things.
Also about the steering rack, you could try just lubricating it. In the FSM there's a diagrahm that shows various lubrication points on the steering rack.

 

i would assume the belt is still intact if he hears the whine, which would mean the pump is turning. maybe the belt is loose and not turning the pump as much as needed. also, check for a clog in the system.