Power steering

The power steering is all hydraulic - no vacuum. What you describe is a cold weather phenomenon that is usually called "morning sickness." The seals in the rack shrink and don't let the pressure develop until they warm up a bit. It will gradually get worse, lasting longer and happening at warmer temperatures. Rack rebuild or replacement is the real cure, I'm afraid. Not cheap.

Maybe somebody has had good results from a power steering additive that is supposed to revive seals. At this point, it isn't likely to hurt.

Mike

Thanks Mike, I'll see what I can find to pour in there!

Si

Our '88 240 has had this syndrome (in all weather) for a year or more. I added some power steering fluid conditioner last year, and it hasn't gotten worse. I can't look up the brand right now, but if you want I'll look tomorrow.

It was a common problem for many mfrs throughout the 80's and 90's. The technicak name is morning sickness. The internal seals swell jus a little bit when the oil is cold and shrink back down against once the oil warms up. The cure was to replace the rack with newer type seals that were less low temperature sensitive. If you turn the wheel all the way from stop to stop a few times before driving off you'll force the pump to produce maximum pressure and heat up the oil as it bypasses.

Bob

I have the same model and problem.It happens in cold weather and wont go away as the seals are Teflon and wont react to special conditioners.Had it for 4 years now learned to live with it .Rack rebuild is $$$$. I brought the car in warm weather second hand .So when the cold came so did the stiff steering.