Stiff steering

[burt ragio]

My car has a few miles 167,000. It hadn’t moved the last two weeks. The steering all of a sudden is very heavy. Any idea on a fix ?

[SilverPhoenix]

Fluid level ok? Does the pump make any noises?

[justbob]

Steering shaft U joints are probably rusty. Common problem.


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[SilverPhoenix]

Steering shaft U joints are probably rusty. Common problem.


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Having a shaft with rusty joints is never a good thing...:P

[Guntek]

Have a similar issue. Did what everyone tells me not to do and throw parts at it but it was at like 170k miles so it was gonna happen sooner or later. But to the main point I replaced my power steering pump and steering rack but when I got the new rack it didn't come with a new EVO (electronic variable orifice) sensor. Its on top if the rack and is screwed in. I have a used one I haven't put in yet but since that's the only thing I didn't swap that's what I'm leaning towards and thinking. But I haven't had the time to drop the rack and replace it and it's been 11k miles. I just have stiff steering and my fore arms are stronger now LMAO. I have also sprayed lubricant on the steering shaft cause that's also an issue but I'd assume it's an issue on cars that have been sitting and since I daily my Marauder it doesn't sit much lol

[offroadkarter]

I have also sprayed lubricant on the steering shaft cause that's also an issue but I'd assume it's an issue on cars that have been sitting and since I daily my Marauder it doesn't sit much lol


It isn't just from sitting, Ford issued a recall on these for 2005 + panthers a while back (03/04 uses the same part but due to some technicality they did not get recalled) for the lower steering shaft u joints seizing up from rust/corrosion.

I ended up doing the lower steering shaft in my 03 because once I rebuilt literally the entire front end, the steering got looser and developed a shake that it never had. Replacing the lower shaft tightened it up and got rid of the shake.

[jgc61sr2002]

Steering shaft U joints are probably rusty. Common problem.


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I concur.
Had mine changed.

[Turbov6Bryan]

The ras vaps module behind the glovebox door controls not only the air ride, but how firm or soft the power steering is.
the box goes out and steering is firm, very common issue.

it is marauder specific, and year specific.

the standard mercury grand marquis one will work in a pinch.

[blazen71]

Good to know^^^^^^^

[m00bara]

I might have the same issue, the steering is pretty stiff especially in full turns. I tried spraying WD-40 and PB Blaster but no improvement so far.
What is the correct replacement part for that? I see Dorman Steering Intermediate Shaft 425-360 for about $80 but there is also Dorman Steering Intermediate Shaft 425-362 for nearly $300. Should I replace both, or replacing only the 425-360 should be sufficient?

Links:
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/dorman-oe-solutions/chassis---steering/steering/steering-shaft/d72010c49c02/dorman-oe-solutions-steering-shaft/doe0/425360
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/dorman-oe-solutions/chassis---steering/steering/steering-shaft/d72010c49c02/dorman-oe-solutions-steering-shaft/doe0/425362

[burt ragio]

Fixed the problem months ago. Replaced the lower and upper steering shafts. The u joints had seen there better days. Kinda like my body joints.