Stiff, Heavy Steering, 2003 LC (1 Viewer)

[harrydunn]

New-to-me 2003. Great condition truck but the steering is very heavy and stiff. I wouldn't call it "binding" like some of the posts I've read, however. It's the same resistance all the way to the left and all the way to the right. Steering is tight with regards to not having warn-out components but just hard to turn. It tracks well down the highway but any little steering adjustment you need to make takes a lot of effort. Definitely not able to thumb it down the road. I can't imagine this is normal operation. I've had a lot of vehicles in my life and have never encountered steering this heavy.

Run down of the usual suspects:

*New tires and alignment 3 weeks ago
*No whining noise from the steering pump, etc.
*New poly steering rack bushings recently installed but was stiff even before these were installed.
*Power steering fluid is dirty but full.
*RACK AND PINION LEAKING/WEEPING FROM BOTH SIDES

***I'm tempted to throw in a new rack but would not think a leaking rack would be the root cause of heavy steering unless it was a massive leak? I'm inclined to have the power steering pump pressures tested first.***

Thoughts?

I'm all ears. If budget wasn't a problem, what is the reasonable course of action? We plan on using this vehicle heavily for our adventures and want it to be a smooth operator. It's been great with the exception of the steering. I'm likely to do the work myself but also have access to a good shop.

Thanks!

 

[DirtDawg]

Start with some fresh fluid and some stop-leak to see if that helps the heavy feeling and also solves the weeping.

Also, are you sure its not just the vehicle? Or does something actually feel off? I only ask because my '00 Lexus steering feels very "stiff" compared to my '14 Tundra.

 

[harrydunn]

I suppose it could just be the vehicle but I think there would be a lot of soccer moms with massive biceps and forearms after driving these around for the past 10 years like this. Ha. I've got a '16 Tundra which is much easier to turn, as you mentioned. Fairly certain this can't be the normal steering on it. I wonder if my ball joints are going.

I'm about a week in running some ATP stop leak. Still leaking.

 

[harrydunn]

One thing I haven't considered is ball joints. Hmmmm....

 

[pdxlc]

Had the same heavy steering issue after adding stop leak to my truck. Thinking the stop leak increases the viscosity of the fluid.

I suggest new fluid, this will likely return your steering effort to normal.

My steering rack was weeping, not a significant leak. Used Blue Devil power steering stop leak and after a few hundred miles put in new fluid (used Valvonline Max Life ATF). 10k+ miles and working well with no leaks.

 

[harrydunn]

Good to hear. Sounds like we may have very similar issues. I'm hoping!

 

[nissanh]

Flush the system. Use a good atf fluid, like valvoline. Clean the screen inside the fluid reservoir

 

[harrydunn]

Decided to jack the front-end up tonight and check the steering. Steering feels very heavy exactly as if it’s on the ground with the resistance of the tires. So, that rules out alignment I think. Either not getting enough PSI to the rack or could still be ball joints. Hoping it’s just crappy fluid and a clogged filter. I’ll report back. Thanks for your input. Let me know if you have anymore. I’m still getting used to this 100-Series IFS and it’s components...the 80’s just had a big honking steering box on top of that monster front solid axle. Ha.

 

[fooldall1]

trust me when i tell you that you will need a new rack. I got a Detroit Axle OEM/Reman and voila- no more steering issues. Once the PS fluid is ignored for YEARS, the contamination now permanently in the rack will cause it to do exactly as you're describing. You could do everything here like Flushing, cleaning the reservoir screen, switching to Synth Fluid, Lucas PS Stop Leak and restorer....at the end of the day if the rack is toast- It's toast.

I chased my issue for months, and the only thing that fixed it was a new rack- but as part of that project, i also replaced the PS Pump. And now, it steers like new. Amazon has a great deal on the Detroit Axle remans (Supposed to be Reman OEM) i think it was 224.00 shipped with a lifetime replacement guarantee.

 

[harrydunn]

Funny you mentioned Detroit Axle. I’ve already inquired with them about their racks. Let me find their response and I’ll post it up. Seem like top-notch folks.

So you’re bad rack caused stiff steering? I figured it would cause super sloppy steering.

 

[fooldall1]

Opinions vary here on the boards for DA, but I've bought a reman CV Axle *and* the reman steering rack. Both products looked AMAZING for remnans, and I'd have no qualms at all using their products moving forward.

Yes, the sludge buildup in the ports of the rack (basically one hydraulic piston) can cause "heavy" steering, poor return, VERY poor quick left/right steering (think parallel parking), and give *all* of the symptoms you describe above. The Tranny Fluid in the pump should be replaced every bit as much as tranny fluid (~45k miles) but how many original owners you think did that? Not many.

 

[harrydunn]

From Detroit Axle:

“Hello,

Yes, Our racks are Remanufactured in Detroit, MI, all of our Rack and Pinions are air leak tested to assure reliable performance, hydraulically tested for bypass/hi-pressure, road simulation tested, and have tie rod load checked. 100% new o-rings and lip seals to ensures no leaking and quality performance. All new Teflon rings are added to the spool valve on the rack donut, restoring internal sealing of the rack & pinion. Racks are surfaced to OE specifications, the proper surface finish will prevent leaking between chambers and extend unit life. We also offer the Lifetime warranty for all of our units. I hope this is helpful, please let me know if you need more assistance, XD”

 

[harrydunn]

Dropped it off at my shop today for a fluid flush and general looking over. You're right, it doesn't "return" very well to center after a turn.

 

[fooldall1]

just my experience. The DA rack is a winner, in my opinion. The build quality looked exactly the same as the OEM versions I've seen.

 

[Travis Bickle]

Replace the rack & flush your lines.

 

[harrydunn]

Without giving my mechanic any idea how i thought the steering was acting, it was nice to hear him say, “the steering is a bit heavy and doesn’t return quite right.” Starting with a flush as he noted the incorrect fluid was in it. Sounds like he’s on top of it and we’re on the same page. Rack will be coming, if not right away, later, because it won’t pass a Missouri inspection with a leaking rack. I’ll post up results tomorrow.

 

[Ohiolc100]

How about the steering intermediate shaft ujoints? Throw some wd40, kroil or whatever on it. I let my f150 sit for 6 months and this happened, it actually took a couple days of driving to free it up but it eventually went back to normal.

 

[harrydunn]

That’s a good good call there. I used some lube on it a few days ago. No change so far. Mechanic mentioned that possibility as well. From what I’ve heard, that causes heavy and “notchy” steering. Mine is not notchy but consistent and heavy.

 

[Ohiolc100]

Yea I've had it do both, again on my f150, since it's not my daily but I've replaced all other system components within the last 3k miles I knew that had to be it, so I keep reapplying kroil and it freed up, I'm sure it's not permanent fix but on something I drive 2x a month just to keep things flowing and might use 2x a year to haul or move something, I'm not in a hurry to fork over $300 to the dealership for a stupid non serviceable shaft I can only buy from them. It's cheap and easy, that's where I always start before I invest more time/money.

 

[harrydunn]

I’ve heard of a fella fashioning a rubber boot around the steering shaft ujoint and pumping it with grease occasionally. Nice idea.