01 GTP sudden steering wheel jerk when turning

[Midnight Hammer]

I purchased an 01 GTP 2 months ago. Motor spun a rod the SAME day I bought it. Just got done replacing the motor and power steering pump since it was whining at low speeds. Used a remanufactured unit and did the procedure to free trapped air, after I flushed about a quart or two of new fluid through the system. Seems to be working fairly well. Slight whine at low speeds and steering seems to be a little stiffer than I think it should be.

The scary part is I can be turning left in an intersection and all of the sudden it's like I just cranked the wheel an extra half turn. It's like a smooth, fluid motion but very sudden. I immediately have to compensate so I don't hit anything.
Then took a slow left curve and the same thing happened. I straightened up and then immediately got a slight movement that pulled to the right and immediately stopped.

Would this be a rack issue? Faulty PS pump?

$3k for the car. $1,500 into motor swap and all new gaskets. Still have to get a new headlight, get water out of spoiler, fix fan resistor or ignition. Not happy. Looks can deceive.

[BillBoost37]

Sorry you aren't happy, around here if you pay that much for a car.. you have at least 30 days on the seller.

I would jack the front up and turn the wheel lock to lock with it running. See if there's any air trapped at the ends of movement

[Midnight Hammer]

With the PS reservoir cap off, looking for bubbles? I think I did overfill it. Not sure if that matters.

[BillBoost37]

Doesn't matter open or closed. I'd do that a bunch of times. Then siphon a little if needed to get the level correct.

Once that is done.. next up would be rack.

[Scottydoggs]

if its rock hard to turn left the rack is bad.

[Midnight Hammer]

Thanks for the replies. Not rock hard to turn. I will jack up one wheel at a time and check for any play in the wheels. In case an unsafe condition is present with a front end component.

[BillBoost37]

Another idea. When both wheels are off the ground.. wiggle 9 and 3. The rack bolts might be loose.

[Midnight Hammer]

Another idea. When both wheels are off the ground.. wiggle 9 and 3. The rack bolts might be loose.

A nut was loose (and almost all the way off) that holds the ball joint on, as well as missing the cotter pin. Fixed before my 80+ mph commute on a dangerous highway.

Thanks all

[Scottydoggs]

wow, hell of a find. that would really suck if it came apart at speed. think of everything else it would have been taken out with it.