My Blazer is intermittently hard to steer.
It was half a pint low on fluid. I added half a pint, it doesn't smell burnt. Fluid is original from 2000.
I am thinking of flushing it out. It isn't making any whine, just has no power assist sometimes. It is worse turning left, if that makes any sense.

 

I was going to post for some info on this myself. Have 99 and the wife complained about this a year ago. I vacummed out all the fluid out of the resivoir and replaced it.
She started having intermitent issues again a couple months ago turning one direction. Once or twice every couple weeks She has an issue. Fluid still looks like new and I can never dupe the the problem. It has anewer belt and its not slipping or making any noises. The manual says the valve may be sticking.

 

I decided to flush out the system this time. Pulled the return line and plugged a clear plastic line to extend the length. Hmmm....It didn't look so great thru the tube. Dumped two quarts thru it until it was clear. Will see if that helps it or not.

 

Well flushing it out did not help, still turns hard to the left sometimes. It did it for me a couple times now like its just weak on power/pressure once in a while. I'm not sure exactly what to check for this. I had it up on the lift and nothing seems to be binding or hanging up.

 

Still looking for direction.

If the pump was having issues I'd think it would be both sides acting up vs just the left. Thoughts?

I'm thinking that kinda leaves the spool valve in the steering box. Would this cause the intermitent issues or would it bad bad all the time?

I checked the fluid and its still looks clear.

The other thing I'm wondering is if there isn't a little piece of rubber or something floating around causing this. Then again its when turning left so probably not.
Just kinda talking out loud here.

I put it up on the lift again checking for anything rub spots etc.. and dont see anything. It turns easy by hand both by the steering wheel and grabbing the tire and turning it.

Everything is well greased, always has been. Ball Joints are a bit worn but not excessively, will probaly replace them in the next month or so but everything else is decent.

 

Is there any noise present while turning?

 

Hi.....
No noises from the pump or the belt. The only time I hear any noise is when going full lock which is expected.

 

Try to adjust or tightin the steering box/gear i had to do this when I got mine. all you need is a 16mm wrench and a 4.5mm alan key be warrend you may have to cut the alan key do to clearance isues, but its a easy fix. there is a wright up on here somewhere

heres the wright up
https://blazerforum.com/forum/steeri...me-tips-48204/

 

I'll take a look at it tomorrow night or this weekend.
I looked at the other post and read it as helping some on
the steering slop. I'm not sure how applicable it is to
the complaint though.

 

Adjusted the steering box tonight. Went about 2/3 of a turn before there was some resistance then backed off 1/4. Didn't have a 4.5mm(have 4 and 5) hex but 3/16 must be the same size.

So..we'll see how it goes from here. If this starts to get worse I'll put in a new steering box.