Suspension setup for 02 CG + Tight steering issue

[camac]

Hey,
I have an issue with my 02 Lancer CG and a few questions about a suspension setup and my power steering system, would be much appreciated if someone with a bit of experience could please help me out.
For the suspension setup i'm sold on BC Golds however i have no idea the difference between the different series: RA RS & MA, also is there anything that would go well with these or even any brands you guys have had good experiences with? eg, camber bolts, sway bars or strut brace & which ones i should do first after my coil overs.
With the tight steering, i bought the car at 190kms and it drove like a dream, could effortlessly move the steering wheel with one finger no matter what speed. Felt like a new car. when it got to about 200-205 the steering really tightened up for some reason, the more revs i applied the tighter it would get its as if the steering wheel is way more connected to the wheels and i can feel the stress they feel on the road. I did a p/s flush and it was coming out foaming and id say a bit rusty, left it for a little longer then decided to replace the whole pump with one from a CG with 160kms. Flushed a good amount of fluid through it and it was all good no bubbles or anything. Took it for a drive and saw no real improvements. Ive replaced the belt twice since & the tensioner pulley and that also didn't improve it. Im at a loss... this things my baby and i cant help it. I took it to a mechanic and he just says its getting old find something better, but i just cant do that. Its currently got 220kms on it. Not sure if its relevant but the left control arm boot has broken, not the joint just the boot.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[SDate42]

Hey mate, call BC for the best explanation of their current line up - the products do vary over time.

As for your steering issue, definitely be sure that the belt tension is correct for the PS pump.
You can try checking your tyre pressures also(I assume youve already done this by now)

Next I’d lift the car up and test the steering with the front wheels in the air. If still heavy in the air, disconnect one tie rod and retry. Same again ect. You’ll eventually run out of possibilities.

And as for your mechanic, sounds like they either don’t care or aren’t competent. Either way I’d find a new one.

 

[wagonmaster]

Normally I would have said PS pump starting to go, but you replaced that and flushed system, and yes do try all the things SDate42 said above as well to narrow down problem. Could be one of your “sealed for life” steering links components starting to bind if all else fails then must be rack on way out which I find strange as I would expect way more life than 205 klms ??
It’s a long shot but sometimes the front strut top bearing plate bearing can fall apart causing extra pressure on steering components normally through you would hear a small clunk noise over bumps as well if that was the case.
As far as coilovers, I would suggest BC racing, the pedders xtreme coilovers were actually made by BC for them years ago, may not be the case now, at least with BC you have a bigger variety of coil ratings to pick from when ordering new as pedders won’t do and custom setups new.
Ditto on the mechanic, he sounds about as handy as an ashtray on a motorbike!

 

[camac]

Thanks for your help, when i lift the car up the wheels are much lighter. Tyre pressure is good. With the tightness of the belt tension i just do it till i cant move it 90 degrees but maybe i should give it some more?? Ill check on the strut and plate bearings, thanks for that much appreciated.