Steering works, but it is very sloppy and slow to react, what's wrong with it?

1) steering being sloppy has nothing to do with it. 2) Clunk sound is usually the u-Joints depending on miles on Car 3) Ticking sound when you drive slow - I need you to be precise on the sounds you are hearing for me to diagnose your rear end problems. I need to know each sound, where it is coming from (Front of Car, Rear of Car, Underneath Car) and does it happen During Acceleration, or When you let off the Gas After Acceleration, or When you are braking does this sound happen. I will be able to tell you if it's the rear end or something else with this input from you. Thanks Keith

sounds like the only thing not checked was the idler arm. Also, have ball joints double checked by a different shop. I had similar issue with 96 Yukon and found ball joints bad on my own. Shop misdiagnosed!

Usually the power steering only works at slow speeds. Either the pump is bad, low on power steering fluid or air is in the fluid, its foaming and needs to be bled.
Check fluid level and condition and for leaks on the pump and resovoir.Make sure the belt is not worn. If all of this is a-ok you now have to take it to a repair shop because you need special equiptment to check the pump and rack for the correct pressures. Preferably use an ASE certified repair facility.

Nort really, You have rack and pinion gear, Need to check tie rods, inner and outter, wheel bearings and any linkage in the front end first.

The power steering fluid level is low or the v-belt tension needs adjusting.Its not likely to be the aircon comp.Look at the v-belt.Adjust if needed and also see its not cracked or too shiny that would allow slipping.If in doubt,replace it.It will be the problem.Hope this helps

Check the Rag Joint under the hood.

Hey jf,

Check your steering linkage components. Ball joints / tie rod ends should be stiff but movable. If they move freely or loosely, that movement is allowing the wheels to follow every dip in the road even if you're holding the steering rock steady.

Mike

Everyone always gravitates to the suspension but folks, it's 99% sure that it is the EVO. The EVO is the sensor built into the steering column that senses movement of the steering wheel then controls the power steering pump accordingly. When it goes out (which is all too frequently) you get sloppy and loose steering at lower speeds and it does tighten up a bit on the highway at higher speeds. This is the way it is supposed to work but when it fails it's downright scary trying to keep the truck straight on a narrow two lane road!

there may have been air trapped in the power steering system. Keep a close eye on the system & your oil. Make sure your not leaking (wrong filter etc.)

is the fluid circulating well , you could see it through the power steering fuel level after removing the rod , if not then you got proplems with the pump ,if the fluid is circulating the the rack and union pistons may have ruined