Power steering going away

[Motorhead350]

This problem has been around for about one year and I want to know if there is any easy solution. The power steering on my car still works, but after driving another Marauder I know it's not as easy to turn my wheel. Is there anything I can do to make it as easy to turn as it was new? The problem was around before the blower. Is something worn out or am I low on fluid?

[RCSignals]

Have you checked the fluid?

[Motorhead350]

Seems fine, but it really has been like this for about one year. It's not getting worse or better.

[TripleTransAm]

No idea what the steering looks like on a Marauder, it's been that long and I'm not really feeling like digging up old photos. However, as a rack and pinion design, there should be a preload adjustment on the steering gear that may be too tight on your unit and might be a result of sloppy QC during production.

Usually it's a matter of loosening a hex locking nut, gently tightening the hex adjustment bolt all the way down and backing off about 1 bolt "face", then retightening the locking nut (while making sure the adjustment bolt does not move). No idea if this applies to Marauders or not.

If things are too tight, it'll chew up the steering gear in no time.

Other than that, the pump may be on its way out or perhaps the belt slipping.

[JMan]

Firstly I must say, Steve, it is wonderful to see you post. I hope all is well for you!

Dom, my observations of MM's has lead me to believe that the '03's have a slightly tighter feel to the steering that the '04's. Was it an '04 you're comparing to? It may be a decontenting thing. But compare yours to the '03's up there and see if it's not the same feel.

HTH

J

[Haggis]

Start working on those biceps you wimp. ;)

[Zack]

Its possible a the steering assist wire got pinched when I put the new engine in for you.
It runs from the driver side cam cover down by the oil filter to the steering rack.

[Motorhead350]

Its possible a the steering assist wire got pinched when I put the new engine in for you.
It runs from the driver side cam cover down by the oil filter to the steering rack.

I need you to hold my hand and show me tomorrow. :D

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

I have an 03 and feel the steering is pretty light. I had an Acura TL-S that had (fantastic-feeling) firm steering that I almost could not drive with one arm. The Marauder is very light by comparison. Hope you figure it out, this car should not be that hard to steer.

[ckadiddle]

I found that after my wreck repair the steering at low speeds was much easier. Pretty sure they replaced the pump, or maybe had to replace the PS juice. Is there a way to drain and refill with fresh fluid?

[RF Overlord]

Is there a way to drain and refill with fresh fluid?One of the simplest ways it to use a turkey baster (or equivalent) to siphon the fluid out of the reservoir and then refill. Do this once a week (or after every second use or whatever) until the fluid is a nice bright red again, then do it at every oil change.

The P/S uses plain Mercon, although that is getting hard to find now that Ford no longer issues licenses. Most Mercon is now labelled as just plain "Transmission Fluid" or "Older Vehicle Formula" or the like and says: "for servicing cars that formerly used Dexron III or Mercon" or words to that effect. Don't use "Multi-Vehicle Formula" ATF.

Ford says it's OK to use Mercon V now, but I'm still not convinced.