power steering too easy to turn

[HappyMerc]

I have 03MM that power steering is to easy to move the wheel. At 25-35 mph is the biggest problem. The car will pull you around in the lane under power or slowing down or some bumps. Scary sometimes that it moves so easy. I have no problems at all 45-80mph tight and tighter as I speed up and works good.

I have almost 180,000 miles my MM. The rack and tie rod ends(seem tight) have NOT been replaced. But upper arms,lower arms, sway bar end links, wheel hubs, power steering pump, struts and springs all been replace in the last 3k miles.

Thank you for your input.
Jeff

[BigCars4Ever]

These cars have variable assist. Are you just noticing that now after 180k miles or has something changed? You may be able to defeat the variable assist but I don't know how to do it.

[HappyMerc]

It changed I have only had mm since 150k about a 1 3/4 years.
As I speed it does get tighter, but very light or loose feeling 35-45 mph.

[RF Overlord]

First you said it's worse at 25-35...now you say it's worse at 35-45. How does it feel at low speeds and when stopped?

[fastblackmerc]

It changed I have only had mm since 150k about a 1 3/4 years.
As I speed it does get tighter, but very light or loose feeling 35-45 mph.

That's the way it's supposed to feel.... tighter the faster you go.... looser the slower you go.... Thanks why it called "variable assist".

[HappyMerc]

sorry my bad 25-35 mph Very very loose (bumps or grooves in lane if you dont have a firm hand I'm all over the place). At a stop is normal easy. And get over 35mph it will become good again. I get that it is variable assist have had many Lincolns with it.
Jeff

[HappyMerc]

The steering is looser at 25-35mph than when stopped or just rolling.So here it is when I drive.0-25mph (normal start getting tight) up to 25-35phm (very very loose) 36-80 perfect no problems(tighter and tighter)

[fastblackmerc]

Take off the connector to the variable assist solenoid and clean the contacts.

[HappyMerc]

Thank you
I did clean it up it now works GREAT! The 2 pin connection is clean and the round cover that it plugs into is loose and was at a 6 o clock position still did not work that good. Then I moved it to a 9 o clock position then it works from 0-mph to 85 mph with no problem. Question can cover be tightened?? or missing a set screw?? or broken and need to be replaced?
It works now with a couple of zip ties.
Thanks again
Jeff

[burt ragio]

Wher is the variable assist sylonoid ?

[fastblackmerc]

Wher is the variable assist sylonoid ?
On the steering rack by the oil filter.

[JohnE]

sorry my bad 25-35 mph Very very loose (bumps or grooves in lane if you dont have a firm hand I'm all over the place). At a stop is normal easy. And get over 35mph it will become good again. I get that it is variable assist have had many Lincolns with it.
Jeff

If the car is wandering with uneven surfaces, you have a worn out suspension issue. All of the rubber bushings and the ball joints, etc. don't last forever.

[boatmangc]

If the car is wandering with uneven surfaces, you have a worn out suspension issue. All of the rubber bushings and the ball joints, etc. don't last forever.

That's what I was thinking too.

[lifespeed]

At 180K you can be sure your suspension is worn out. This will give a loose sloppy feel.

[Jeronimojc]

If the car is wandering with uneven surfaces, you have a worn out suspension issue. All of the rubber bushings and the ball joints, etc. don't last forever.


My MM with 120K miles is all over the road when driving on uneven surfaces. At least now I know where to look.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk