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Thread: Stiff steering

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Cape Cod, MA
    Age
    67
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    2,601

    Stiff steering

    My car has a few miles 167,000. It hadn’t moved the last two weeks. The steering all of a sudden is very heavy. Any idea on a fix ?
    2004 marauder black purchased new. Sold 9/16 at 297,000 miles. Still ran strong didn't burn a drop of oil.
    2003 marauder black 28,000 miles all stock. Garage Queen.
    2004 marauder red daily driver.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2019
    Location
    Harrisburg, NC
    Age
    53
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    364
    Fluid level ok? Does the pump make any noises?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
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    Next door to my neighbor
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    50
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    20,353
    Steering shaft U joints are probably rusty. Common problem.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    SOLD 12/31/2021

    Cobra short block / ProCharger F1-A / Cog drive upgrade / Manley valves / Brian Tooley Racing valve springs / 80# inj. / -8 fuel line / -6 return / Aeromotive 340 pumps and regulator / 2012 GT500 TR6060 six speed / twin disc clutch / Driveshaft Shop GT500 upgraded CV joint shaft / BA5000 blow thru MAF/ 4.10's / Ford Racing 31 spline set up and Girdle / Metco D.S. safety loop / Stainless Works headers, cats, and everything else out back / ClassGlass hood / Bob's hood strut mod / Hurst line lock / Metco control arms / Addco front and rear sway bars / Monroe severe duty shocks all around / Race concepts rotors / Badgeless grille / 35% tint / FBM's interior LED kit and ambient lighting kit / Pioneer FB700 deck / kenwood speaker 4 Ch. / Rockford Fosgate 10" sub and amp / Kicker 6 X 8's all around / back up cam / bluetooth / Pioneer Xm / 704 RWHP 603 RWTQ tuned by Mo's Speedshop.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2019
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    Harrisburg, NC
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    53
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    Quote Originally Posted by justbob View Post
    Steering shaft U joints are probably rusty. Common problem.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    Having a shaft with rusty joints is never a good thing...

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2021
    Location
    St. Pete, Florida
    Posts
    20
    Have a similar issue. Did what everyone tells me not to do and throw parts at it but it was at like 170k miles so it was gonna happen sooner or later. But to the main point I replaced my power steering pump and steering rack but when I got the new rack it didn't come with a new EVO (electronic variable orifice) sensor. Its on top if the rack and is screwed in. I have a used one I haven't put in yet but since that's the only thing I didn't swap that's what I'm leaning towards and thinking. But I haven't had the time to drop the rack and replace it and it's been 11k miles. I just have stiff steering and my fore arms are stronger now LMAO. I have also sprayed lubricant on the steering shaft cause that's also an issue but I'd assume it's an issue on cars that have been sitting and since I daily my Marauder it doesn't sit much lol

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Lehigh Valley, PA
    Posts
    5,956
    Quote Originally Posted by Guntek View Post
    I have also sprayed lubricant on the steering shaft cause that's also an issue but I'd assume it's an issue on cars that have been sitting and since I daily my Marauder it doesn't sit much lol

    It isn't just from sitting, Ford issued a recall on these for 2005 + panthers a while back (03/04 uses the same part but due to some technicality they did not get recalled) for the lower steering shaft u joints seizing up from rust/corrosion.

    I ended up doing the lower steering shaft in my 03 because once I rebuilt literally the entire front end, the steering got looser and developed a shake that it never had. Replacing the lower shaft tightened it up and got rid of the shake.


    2016 Ford Mustang GT PP - Lund nGauge, BMR vertical links, MGW Shifter, BMR CB005

    2004 Mercury Marauder - Eaton M112, Billetflow 3.4, Accufab SBTB + Plenum, T-56 Magnum, 4.10s, Stainless Works LTs, 2.5" Exhaust, Borla Stingers, Ridetech Coilovers + Adj rear shocks, FX-R projectors, Wilwood 13" BNSL6 + FNSL4 BBKs, S55 Gauge Cluster
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    1996 Ford Bronco - 4" lift, 35" BFG A/T's, Punisher Valve Body, MH1 Projectors

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    Long Island, NY
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    9,769
    Quote Originally Posted by justbob View Post
    Steering shaft U joints are probably rusty. Common problem.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    I concur.
    Had mine changed.
    2003 Marauder 300B,
    6468 out of 7839 - Thanks Brian
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    Sold 4/3/2009 Now resides in AL.
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    Member # 440
    ----- John

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2014
    Location
    KC
    Age
    48
    Posts
    3,511
    The ras vaps module behind the glovebox door controls not only the air ride, but how firm or soft the power steering is.
    the box goes out and steering is firm, very common issue.

    it is marauder specific, and year specific.

    the standard mercury grand marquis one will work in a pinch.
    The twins2.3 whipple/aluminatorVortech V-2 lots of goodies

    Current marauders
    04 DTR totaled JUST NOW starting to part out 7-21-2021 https://youtu.be/REUxjP1BVpg

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    Joe's Wrecked DTR rebuild thread

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Waukesha, WI
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    1,604
    Good to know^^^^^^^
    You "feel" the difference because you want to "feel" the difference. Since you just spent money on the upgrade you "have" to feel the difference

    I'm looking to eliminate the double pump process I have to follow right now to get the pedal hard

    2004 300A Procharger #0010 D1X
    2003 300A Procharger #0017 D1SC (SOLD. Last I heard, it was in Washington State)

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