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Thread: Steering difficult when cold...

  1. #1
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    Steering difficult when cold...

    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.

    I did a search here and people seem to think VAPS: http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forum...ad.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?
    '03 Marauder | '91 Country Squire | '18 Flex Ecoboost | '92 Shadow VT1100
    former Panthers: '02 MGM, '04 MGM, '04 MGM v2.0, '04 MM, '07 P71 w/5-speed, '04 CVLX, '03 SAP P71, '10 P7B
    CLICK HERE and have your Marauder's COA info added to the database!!! | 2003 list ||| 2004 list
    Quote Originally Posted by offroadkarter View Post
    Reinhart's tuning skills were comparable to an ape slapping the keyboard in microsoft excel.

  2. #2
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    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.
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  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by RF Overlord View Post
    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.
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  4. #4
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    Thanks for the tip, RF Overlord! Will give it a shot...ummm...soon. 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.

    Quote Originally Posted by Spectragod View Post
    FWIW, you can put a new rack in in your driveway, nothing to it.
    Well, other than money.

    EDIT: not as expensive as I'd thought! RockAuto has 'em for a hair over $200 + core.
    Last edited by a_d_a_m; 11-23-2012 at 12:35 PM.
    '03 Marauder | '91 Country Squire | '18 Flex Ecoboost | '92 Shadow VT1100
    former Panthers: '02 MGM, '04 MGM, '04 MGM v2.0, '04 MM, '07 P71 w/5-speed, '04 CVLX, '03 SAP P71, '10 P7B
    CLICK HERE and have your Marauder's COA info added to the database!!! | 2003 list ||| 2004 list
    Quote Originally Posted by offroadkarter View Post
    Reinhart's tuning skills were comparable to an ape slapping the keyboard in microsoft excel.

  5. #5
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    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.

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  6. #6
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    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.
    '03 Marauder | '91 Country Squire | '18 Flex Ecoboost | '92 Shadow VT1100
    former Panthers: '02 MGM, '04 MGM, '04 MGM v2.0, '04 MM, '07 P71 w/5-speed, '04 CVLX, '03 SAP P71, '10 P7B
    CLICK HERE and have your Marauder's COA info added to the database!!! | 2003 list ||| 2004 list
    Quote Originally Posted by offroadkarter View Post
    Reinhart's tuning skills were comparable to an ape slapping the keyboard in microsoft excel.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by a_d_a_m View Post
    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


  8. #8
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    No kidding!!! When it warms up it isn't a problem but I need super muscles to get it turned when it's cold!
    '03 Marauder | '91 Country Squire | '18 Flex Ecoboost | '92 Shadow VT1100
    former Panthers: '02 MGM, '04 MGM, '04 MGM v2.0, '04 MM, '07 P71 w/5-speed, '04 CVLX, '03 SAP P71, '10 P7B
    CLICK HERE and have your Marauder's COA info added to the database!!! | 2003 list ||| 2004 list
    Quote Originally Posted by offroadkarter View Post
    Reinhart's tuning skills were comparable to an ape slapping the keyboard in microsoft excel.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by a_d_a_m View Post
    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!!..............

  10. #10
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    I should have known.

    Maybe I'll get a Shake Weight.
    '03 Marauder | '91 Country Squire | '18 Flex Ecoboost | '92 Shadow VT1100
    former Panthers: '02 MGM, '04 MGM, '04 MGM v2.0, '04 MM, '07 P71 w/5-speed, '04 CVLX, '03 SAP P71, '10 P7B
    CLICK HERE and have your Marauder's COA info added to the database!!! | 2003 list ||| 2004 list
    Quote Originally Posted by offroadkarter View Post
    Reinhart's tuning skills were comparable to an ape slapping the keyboard in microsoft excel.

  11. #11
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    Haha the gym might help it. Or the shake weight
    2003 Torch Red Cobra #904 41k Miles
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  12. #12
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    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.
    '03 Marauder | '91 Country Squire | '18 Flex Ecoboost | '92 Shadow VT1100
    former Panthers: '02 MGM, '04 MGM, '04 MGM v2.0, '04 MM, '07 P71 w/5-speed, '04 CVLX, '03 SAP P71, '10 P7B
    CLICK HERE and have your Marauder's COA info added to the database!!! | 2003 list ||| 2004 list
    Quote Originally Posted by offroadkarter View Post
    Reinhart's tuning skills were comparable to an ape slapping the keyboard in microsoft excel.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by a_d_a_m View Post
    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.
    Lifespeed

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    Wilwood Aero6 F, NMDP R brakes, Penske 7500DA shocks, Hypercoil 600lbs F and Grand Marquis R air springs, Addco tubular sway bars, Metco control & Watts, 31 sp axles, Stainless Works cat-back exhaust, Lidio tune, American Racing AR883 9.3" 50mm F 10" 59mm R 20" wheels, Pirelli P-Zero 265/35-20, 275/40-20 tires

    Coming soon: Livernois 5.0L stroker, ADTR/Vortech V2 intercooled SC, Silverfox trans and Circle D converter

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