Stiff steering at low speeds.

[FreddieH]

I seem to have a problem thats getting worse. At lower speeds the steering has been getting stiff. Fluid level is ok. Need help.

[wickedmerc]

I've got the same problem. I've heard a few opinions on what needs to happen to fix it. I'm curious what the collective may say......:popcorn:

[FreddieH]

I'm with you, can't seem to get any definitive answers on the fix.

[Mr. Man]

Steering rack is easy to see. Check and make sure you don't have something jammed in it.

[wickedmerc]

I'm with you, can't seem to get any definitive answers on the fix.

My local friendly Ford dealer said that the pump was bad. They also told me that it's all 1 unit and would need to be entirely replaced to the tune of over $1800. Suffice-is-to-say it has not been fixed yet. My local mechanic (after giving me the :rolleyes: with the Ford dealer story) said that he thinks the lower part of the steering arm may be bent(?).

FreddieH, does your power steering pump make noise? I can hear my PS pump strain when I turn the wheel, especially (and obviously) more when I'm still or moving very slowly.

[4drcbra]

Marauder i good but my cvpi has the same issue. My city govn shop gave the typical "budget" answer. "just drive it til that sh** breaks"

[BirchMarauder]

Stiff steering at low speeds is the variable assist, pump, or rack itself. When under my warranty I had all three replaced with the total being around $1400 (no cost to me) and the problem went away. I have since had to have that rack replaced because it was leaking fluid, but even after I have no problems with steering coming from a high speed to low speed and making a hard u-turn. ( as an example)

[mrjones]

Seems like I remember from the early days there being an issue with an electronic connector (on the bottom of the rack?) that affected the speed sensitive power steering. Is that ringing a bell for anyone?

[Blackened300a]

Seems like I remember from the early days there being an issue with an electronic connector (on the bottom of the rack?) that affected the speed sensitive power steering. Is that ringing a bell for anyone?


Sort of like this....

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=70504&highlight=rack+solenoid

Also mention of greasing the U joint on the steering shaft.

[RF Overlord]

Also mention of greasing the U joint on the steering shaft.DING DING DING!

Phoebe had the same complaint over the summer...I hosed down that u-joint with WD40 since we were in a hurry and the problem has not returned.

Sometimes the redneck fix is the winner... :D

[tbone]

DING DING DING!

Phoebe had the same complaint over the summer...I hosed down that u-joint with WD40 since we were in a hurry and the problem has not returned.

Sometimes the redneck fix is the winner... :D

My son's Camry had the same issue. The shaft with the u-joint had to be replaced. Dealer wanted $1200. Local shop did it for $300. Pays to shop around.

[whitey]

DING DING DING!

Phoebe had the same complaint over the summer...I hosed down that u-joint with WD40 since we were in a hurry and the problem has not returned.

Sometimes the redneck fix is the winner... :D


although i dont really know you, i remember overhearing you say that at MV9, i was standing in the back near the door, and i told myself not to forget it, and thats exactly what i was going to mention.

[Tnbigbody]

does your air suspension turn on when you start the car? i had the same issue but it turned out when i replaced my blend door actuator that i had forgot to reconnect the little black box behind the glove box (sorry i dont remember the official name) but it controls your air suspension and your speed sensitive steering

[FreddieH]

My local friendly Ford dealer said that the pump was bad. They also told me that it's all 1 unit and would need to be entirely replaced to the tune of over $1800. Suffice-is-to-say it has not been fixed yet. My local mechanic (after giving me the :rolleyes: with the Ford dealer story) said that he thinks the lower part of the steering arm may be bent(?).

FreddieH, does your power steering pump make noise? I can hear my PS pump strain when I turn the wheel, especially (and obviously) more when I'm still or moving very slowly.
I can here a whine when I turn the wheel.

[FreddieH]

does your air suspension turn on when you start the car? i had the same issue but it turned out when i replaced my blend door actuator that i had forgot to reconnect the little black box behind the glove box (sorry i dont remember the official name) but it controls your air suspension and your speed sensitive steeringThe air suspension seem to be working fine.

[Mr. Man]

I can here a whine when I turn the wheel.
Ask Kelly to go get you a beer and see if you still hear it. :eek: :D :lol:

[FreddieH]

Ask Kelly to go get you a beer and see if you still hear it. :eek: :D :lol:I regretedly don't have her trained that well.

[TooManyFords]

I can here a whine when I turn the wheel.

Your pump is going out.

[kenpack1]

I have had the same problem with stiff steering and intermittent to boot. I tried replacing the PS fluid(N/G) then added a treatment by 'Lucas'(N/G). I will next check the assist solonoid suggestion.