Steering difficult when cold...

[a_d_a_m]

So I've done a search on this problem and I'm not sure what to think.

The car sat for a few months while I was doing the head swap (July-Oct). I put it back together and everything was hunky dory for a few weeks. Ever since it got cold, though, I've noticed that the steering is SUPER TIGHT at certain spots until the car gets warmed up. In other words it'll turn, then there's a tough spot and the car won't return to center. It's tight to the point that if I let go of the wheel, the car will hold the wheel on its own while I'm turning. :eek:

I did a search here and people seem to think VAPS: http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=49958

It's a common issue apparently. I've got a 2004 Marquis I might be able to swap them out in to rule that out, but I'm not sure if they're the same. I have to believe they are since they share a lot of common parts.

HOWEVER, since the problem goes away when the car gets warmed up, I was thinking more along the lines of maybe the R&P needs to be serviced. I've never had a problem like this so I don't know if there is anything I can do in my driveway before I take it to a pro.

So...
Anyone? :confused:

[RF Overlord]

You might try this first, just because it's quick, easy, and cheap:

Douse the little u-joint in the steering shaft with WD-40 or CRC. It sits right next to the exhaust manifold and the grease gets dried up and stiff. Worked like a charm on Phoebe when she had a similar issue last year and she's still good.

[Spectragod]

You might try this first, just because it's quick, easy, and cheap:

Douse the little u-joint in the steering shaft with WD-40 or CRC. It sits right next to the exhaust manifold and the grease gets dried up and stiff. Worked like a charm on Phoebe when she had a similar issue last year and she's still good.


^^^^^Very common problem on the cars that have higher mileage, have seen snow etc., we change out probably 4-5 of those universals a year on our fleet.

FWIW, you can put a new rack in in your driveway, nothing to it.

[a_d_a_m]

Thanks for the tip, RF Overlord! Will give it a shot...ummm...soon. :banana: But not today, since we're supposed to get accumulated snow today. She's due for storage pretty soon, so maybe the day I drive to storage...

I'm also wondering if maybe using the carb cleaner during the head swap kinda de-greased that area and caused that problem. I definitely used a lot and...well, it was right in that area.


FWIW, you can put a new rack in in your driveway, nothing to it. Well, other than money. :lol:

EDIT: not as expensive as I'd thought! RockAuto has 'em for a hair over $200 + core.

[Blackened300a]

If you disconnected the power steering, you may have some air in the lines, check for bubbles. I had this right after my engine went in, It cleared up after a short while.

[a_d_a_m]

That's what I was thinking, but I hadn't disconnected the power steering. I just swung the pump out of the way. Never lost any fluid.

[Mr. Man]

That's what I was thinking, but I hadn't disconnected the power steering. I just swung the pump out of the way. Never lost any fluid.
Might want to invest in a set of these

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSvnydFlC1zZ 5yoIaffsMbsvFlV3grQbbuYCMi1FyB Co2W-61Qv :D

[a_d_a_m]

No kidding!!! When it warms up it isn't a problem but I need super muscles to get it turned when it's cold!

[Mr. Man]

No kidding!!! When it warms up it isn't a problem but I need super muscles to get it turned when it's cold!
TWSS!!.......:wasntme:.......: D

[a_d_a_m]

I should have known.

Maybe I'll get a Shake Weight.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5290/5301748815_a6b87be193_o.gif

[MyO4Rawdur]

Haha the gym might help it. Or the shake weight :lol:

[a_d_a_m]

Well I opted to spray the steering linkage crap down with some oil, instead of buying the Shake Weights.

I let it soak for 5 minutes and went for a drive. Noticeable improvement in steering input. I went ahead and soaked it again so it should be fine the next time I go for a spin.

I haven't confirmed it has 100% fixed it but I am pretty confident it'll be the case. Thanks all.

[lifespeed]

I haven't confirmed it has 100% fixed it but I am pretty confident it'll be the case. Thanks all.

100% diagnosed, good job. Fixed would be a new joint, cheap and easy.