[bdrath64]

I purchased a 1992 Mariah 2350Z at the end of last season here in the upper midwest. I noticed it seemed to be hard to steer but it being my first I/O I didn't think much of it. Now I have had another I/O owner and him drive it a bit and he said it was way too hard to steer. The power steering pump is full of fluid and belt is tight. Does anyone have any experience with this or where to start. It has 7.4L and Bravo one out drive. Thanks

[mikeyt]

A site search reveals there are a large number of threads here discussing this issue. Have a read thru this one for likely answers to your problem.

Four things are normally associated with this condition:

1) Binding in the steering wheel assembly. (Parts are worn and/or need lubing)
2) The steering cable. (inner cable is worn/cable lube is dried up/contaminated or both)
3) The power steering system. (valve or internal pump parts mat be leaking causing drop in pressure)
4) Gimbal pivots. (worn/corroded/out of lube)

For starters, I would begin troubleshooting by isolating the cable/steering box/powersteering from the gimbal as I beleive this is the easiest to do:
1) Start by removing the big pivot bolt holding the cable/powersteering valve to the gimbal steering arm.
2) Now try turning the steering wheel, if it's still tight, your problem is either in the steering box or the cable (I would suspect the cable first), but if it's smooth then it's in the outdrive or powersteering system.

[bdrath64]

I appreciate your suggestions I will take a look at it tomorrow.
Bill