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[brooksone]

ok i have a 1988 Buick century custom and it is having trouble steering to the right and it is starting to have trouble steering to the left. The power steering fluid is completely black. should i replace the power steering pump first or the rack and pinion first

[bernal]

The first thing to do is have a power steering system flush performed! Your symptoms indicate that you have a clogged/restricted torsion spool valve located inside the Rack, this part controls a valve that directs the P/S assist pressure) and I have seen a lot of them come back after the flush!

[branden]

It could be your pump is going out but, it can't hurt if you bleed out ALL of the fluid first and start with fresh stuff. It could save you a couple of bucks and you're gonna haveta bleed out the system anyway if you gotta replace the pump.
I doubt that your entire steering rack is shot.

[bogart]

drain the pump first. then change the rack. it sounds like the rack is catching. after you get done fill the pump again and bleed it.

[walten]

both, you dont have power steering anymore, thus being both went out.