Yesterday I let my friend drive my 91 Loyale, and they left the e-brake on to the point of smoke coming out of the front driver side wheel area. Today, I have "hard points" in my steering, as if power steering is somehow being altered. Fluid is fine, so I'm not sure what the problem could be, and if the E-brake thing triggered it or not. Any help diagnosing would be great!

 

Thanks,

Brian

Spray some penetrating oil on the set of u-joints linking the steering column and the rack. It's above the driver side axle, below the starter motor if looking from the top. When the joints seize up, the steering is stiff, then normal then stiff again as you spin the steering wheel around.

Thanks a bunch, seems like that helped. Also, the steering wheel is crooked (turned when the wheels are straight) I've heard its an easy fix, but don't know how to do it myself...

You have to re-center the steering rack by adjusting the tie rods equally on both sides. To do it right, it needs to be on an alignment rack as you do it. How far off is the wheel? Do you think anyone had the wheel off in the past, and didn't put it back on in the right spot?

Check the mounting brackets that hold the rack in place. When the bushings go bad, the rack can shift .