Power Steering ... does anyone experience this??

[Professor]

If I come up on a hard turn in my Marauder (e.g. a firm brake going into the turn) and then crank the wheel, the steering input is noticeably heavy. In fact, I notice that the steering gets pretty heavy in many low speed turns of 90 degrees or more. Is that normal or do I have a failing power steering pump.

I've been thinking about putting on underdrive pulleys, but I wonder if it will make this condition worse.

[ctrlraven]

I've notice the same thing from time to time. I think its because at low speeds the engine rpm is low which in case will turn the power steering pump at a slower rate and won't have the high pressure to allow less driver input for the turning.

[Professor]

Will underdrive pulleys exascerbate (i.e., make it worse) the problem?

[Local Boy]

^^^ +1 ^^^ What he said...Yes, under drive pullies affect the speed at which your power steering pump turns, and thus may cause your steering to become more heavy (hard) at low RPM's...ALOHA

[RCSignals]

^^^ +1 ^^^ What he said...Yes, under drive pullies affect the speed at which your power steering pump turns, and thus may cause your steering to become more heavy (hard) at low RPM's...ALOHA

kind of messes up the variable assist then

[fastblackmerc]

If you go w/ underdrives have your tuner increase the idle by 200 RPM.

[Raudermaster]

My car does not do this.

[tddpop]

Doesn't the variable assist make the steering tighter at lower speeds (thus making it feel heavy)? I may just be dumb though, it's happened before.

[PSG]

variable assist will give a heavier feal at higher sped, more assist at lower speed

[Mad1]

I had this same condition ... but got it fixed.

When turning into my driveway, I had to make sure the engine was partially revved or I could hardly budge the steering wheel.

Took it to the dealer, under warranty, and they replaced a part in the power steering system. I'll have to update this thread after I look at the repair log in the glove box.

Jeremy
Mad1

[Professor]

I had this same condition ... but got it fixed.

When turning into my driveway, I had to make sure the engine was partially revved or I could hardly budge the steering wheel.

Took it to the dealer, under warranty, and they replaced a part in the power steering system. I'll have to update this thread after I look at the repair log in the glove box.

Jeremy
Mad1

Thanks Mad1. I look forward to hearing what the problem was.

[OneBADLsE]

I noticed the same thing in my GM. My steering is noticeably more firm than that of most GM/CVs. However, it seems to be as firm as the MM's i test drove in recent times.

I preffer the firmness at any speed...So, if there is something wrong, im in no rush to get it fixed (plus i have ESP warantee until 2009).


Keep us posted!

[Mad1]

I'm still looking for the actual paperwork with the part number, but I did speak to the dealership that handled the work.

I first noticed the problem (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24362&highlight=Mad1) back in early 2006.

The service manager pulled up the record and his note shows that they put in a gearbox. Neither of us could remember the exact "damage" that was found, but he's supposed to fax it over if he can print out the reciept.

I'm going to keep trying to find the receipt in my records. (It's probably with my warranty paperwork.)

Jeremy
Mad1

[Mad1]

I have a copy of the report that was generated when the work was done. (Dealership service manager faxed it over to me. I love having a helpful dealership.)

Ok. Here's the text of the report:


Steering Concern:
Customer states at slow speeds and sharp turns loses power steering.

Tech advised: found steering gear leaking, R&R (remove & replace) steering gear, blead system, rechecked for leaks.

FP# 3WIZ-3504-GARM
Gear AS 727361
Price: $534.80

Labor was 3.5 hours = $279.83

Total cost: 832.87 (includes fluid $14, seal $4.)


I hope that helps your situation out. Mine was covered under a CNA warranty and I was only $100 out of pocket.

Jeremy
Mad1

[Professor]

OMG!!! $800 :eek:

Mad ... Thanks for the research. Even if it depresses me.:shake: