Heavy steering

[burt ragio]

All of a sudden it takes more effort to turn the sreering wheel left to right. I checked the fluid level it was a little low not empty. I bought merco atf fluid & filled it to the fill line. No improvement. How do I check the power steering pump ?

[fastblackmerc]

Check the connector for the VAPS module (Variable Assist Power Steering). Located on the left side of the rack.

[computertech]

I had a similar problem with my 1st MM some 4 or so years ago......... I changed the solenoid on the rack,then the rack itself..... If memory serves me correctly it ended up being a speed signal wire that we traced all the way back to the factory stereo.....There are many posts
about this that helped me out very much... Good luck on that, I hope you find out whats causing it easily....mine was`nt ...

[fesifisky]

If the tires aren't low, check the lower steering shaft u-joint. Pretty common problem with our cars.

[burt ragio]

How do I check the VAPS module to know if it is good or bad ?

[TAKEDOWN]

From what I got it could be a variety of things variable assist, steering pump, u-joint binding, lower to middle steering shafts.

[burt ragio]

This afternoon I disconnected sprayed & greased the steering shaft. At 1st it was very hard to move at the joints. I then evacuated the fluid pulled the return line from the power steering resevoir put a 2' section of garden hose on the power steering unit started the car turned the wheel from right to left. Then reconnected the return line filled the resevoir started the motor turned the wheeel from R to L topped off fliud & done. Took the car for a ride & problem solved. There was a lot of garbage in the fluid that was removed.