Steering issue after sitting

[Motorhead350]

I know our cars (2004's to my knowledge) have been recalled for steering issues. Mine is a 2003 and it has issues when it sits for a few days especially a week.

Last week, I drove the car for the first time in about a week and the steering was acting as if the pump had gone. I sprayed the steering shaft with WD-40 (sorry if I am using the wrong term) multiple times. I would spray it, turn the wheel one half rotation, spray again and repeat about 5 times to make sure WD-40 was all over the sized up parts.

This cured the problem, but it came back again today. I did the same thing and it fixed it. I am wondering if I am using the wrong lube (ha ha ha) or if this is a more serious problem.

It was really something today. When I would turn from one city block to another, the steering wheel would actually stay in place if I let go midway though the turn... it would not turn back unless I turned it back while in motion. After about 3 blocks it was fine, but this should never happen. Ever.

Any and all suggestion, thank you in advance.

The powers steering fluid level is fine.

[Marauderjack]

WD-40 is not a lubricant Dom.......it flashes off rather quick!!:argue:

Try plain ole oil or a Lithium Grease spray!!:beer:

Good Luck!!

[Motorhead350]

Thank you for setting me straight.

[RF Overlord]

Dom, what 'jack said is true, but it's also possible the the u-joints are just plain worn out. Since WD eases the problem temporarily, you know it's not something more serious, like a bad rack, but you may have to replace the centre (or intermediate) shaft. $169.93 for OEM at Tascaparts, or $114.89 for Dorman at Rock Auto.

Tasca's site shows the u-joints being available separately for $45...does anyone know if you can replace just the u-joint without special tools? Mary's car needs the WD40 bath occasionally so if I can do just the u-joints that would be great.

[fastblackmerc]

Dom, what 'jack said is true, but it's also possible the the u-joints are just plain worn out. Since WD eases the problem temporarily, you know it's not something more serious, like a bad rack, but you may have to replace the centre (or intermediate) shaft. $169.93 for OEM at Tascaparts, or $114.89 for Dorman at Rock Auto.

Tasca's site shows the u-joints being available separately for $45...does anyone know if you can replace just the u-joint without special tools? Mary's car needs the WD40 bath occasionally so if I can do just the u-joints that would be great.

I'd assume that the u-joints can be changed just like any other u-joints. I believe justbob did it.

[Haggis]

I know our cars (2004's to my knowledge) have been recalled for steering issues. Mine is a 2003 and it has issues when it sits for a few days especially a week.

Last week, I drove the car for the first time in about a week and the steering was acting as if the pump had gone. I sprayed the steering shaft with WD-40 (sorry if I am using the wrong term) multiple times. I would spray it, turn the wheel one half rotation, spray again and repeat about 5 times to make sure WD-40 was all over the sized up parts.

This cured the problem, but it came back again today. I did the same thing and it fixed it. I am wondering if I am using the wrong lube (ha ha ha) or if this is a more serious problem.

It was really something today. When I would turn from one city block to another, the steering wheel would actually stay in place if I let go midway though the turn... it would not turn back unless I turned it back while in motion. After about 3 blocks it was fine, but this should never happen. Ever.

Any and all suggestion, thank you in advance.

The powers steering fluid level is fine.

You said lube....:lol:

[justbob]

I'd assume that the u-joints can be changed just like any other u-joints. I believe justbob did it.


Yeah I changed mine on the '04 F150, same thing. I believe the part number is UJ1540, I would only assume the MM uses the very same. They are considered non serviceable because they jab a punch into each end at the factory about three times.. I own a punch too. :) seriously a very easy fix. Look online for driveshaft shops to get the best price. The part number is its measurements (metric width X metric length)

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/09/04/dehajydu.jpg


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