Unresponsive steering

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BullElk

BullElk

SILVER Star
10 Year
Joined
Jun 19, 2013
Threads
327
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3,596
Location
Saraland, AL
Without much search info available....It seems my steering is a bit sticky and unresponsive when turning and responding back to center after turning.

Think it would be the steering rack bushings or something in the steering column ? It is not slipping like I think would be the steering rack bushings. Just unsmooth sticky.

Thanks
 
My steering sucked until Slee replaces the steering rack. Now it’s as right as a BMW
 
I haven't found any fluid leaks so far. I am familiar with the steering rack and bushings going out and this feel different than that did. So I am also thinking perhaps the shaft or bushings in that area....which I am not familar yet.

Thanks for your help!
 
When's the last time you flushed it? ( and cleaned the screen at the bottom of the reservoir?)
Air bubbles in reservoir?
Do you have the pressure gauge set for checking steering fluid pressure?
Serpentine belt slipping?
Idle air control valve failed?

Check out the SR- (steering) chapter in the repair manual; that will give you some direction.
 
BullElk said:
Without much search info available....It seems my steering is a bit sticky and unresponsive when turning and responding back to center after turning.

Think it would be the steering rack bushings or something in the steering column ? It is not slipping like I think would be the steering rack bushings. Just unsmooth sticky.

Thanks
Click to expand...
BullElk said:
Without much search info available....It seems my steering is a bit sticky and unresponsive when turning and responding back to center after turning.

Think it would be the steering rack bushings or something in the steering column ? It is not slipping like I think would be the steering rack bushings. Just unsmooth sticky.

Thanks
Click to expand...
Very interesting - I am having the same exact symptoms. Has been happening now for about a week. I have no leaks and boots are clean. I replaced the bushings last summer and that helped a bit. I have a very sluggish feel while turning, doesn’t come back to center without some help, and I am pulling right. Also have some uneven wear on the outsider of my tires, so I have a related alignment issue as well. I’ve been putting off replacing my rack, but may need to bite the bullet. Have you done any additional troubleshooting?
 
Uneven wear and pulling to right is the issue. Proper caster angle is what brings the wheels straight after a turn.
 
I had this problem. Put a new pump on it still there but was better. Then a buddy told me to lube up the steering shaft u-joints. dumped tons of WD-40 on them and wooww what a difference like a new truck and it was an easy fix. worth a shot!
 
I had what may be a similar problem recently... the power steering would effectively "turn off" while driving. This only happened at low speeds when I was turning back and forth quickly - like a 3-point turn. Only way to get power back was to take pressure off the wheel - like letting it catch its breath.

It was suggested here - abuck99 maybe? - that the first (and cheapest) step would be a flush. I took it to ACC who confirmed the whole system - pump, gear, rack - is showing its age, e.g. small leaks and some slop. They flushed the system. Knock on simulated wood - that cured it. I haven't had the issue since the flush. I get to put off a rack/pump replacement for a while.
 
jrmudder92 said:
I had this problem. Put a new pump on it still there but was better. Then a buddy told me to lube up the steering shaft u-joints. dumped tons of WD-40 on them and wooww what a difference like a new truck and it was an easy fix. worth a shot!
Click to expand...

Are the joints greaseable? Are they accessed in the engine bay or in the steering column?
 
jrmudder92 said:
I had this problem. Put a new pump on it still there but was better. Then a buddy told me to lube up the steering shaft u-joints. dumped tons of WD-40 on them and wooww what a difference like a new truck and it was an easy fix. worth a shot!
Click to expand...

Last week my daughter's RX300 steering was binding and catching. I soaked the u joint with pb blaster while she turned the wheel slowly and after a couple of cranks everything was better. Everything I read said the rack was bad.
 
COGerding said:
Have you done any additional troubleshooting?
Click to expand...

I changed fluid and it didn't help the sticky steering problem. I have now soaked steering U joint in PB blaster and will see how that may help.
 
I know what it is Just haven’t had it aligned because it seems to drive fine.
 
BullElk said:
I know what it is Just haven’t had it aligned because it seems to drive fine.
Click to expand...

BullElk said:
Have no earthly idea. Seems to drive straight.
Click to expand...


Caster won't really change whether it drives straight. It's going to affect the wheels going back to center after a turn. Sounds like it'd be an easy check and easy solution to your problem.

BullElk said:
Without much search info available....It seems my steering is a bit sticky and unresponsive when turning and responding back to center after turning.

Think it would be the steering rack bushings or something in the steering column ? It is not slipping like I think would be the steering rack bushings. Just unsmooth sticky.

Thanks
Click to expand...
 
Then I may have to check it. But would it affect the rough spots when making the turn ?
 
wvrx said:
Are the joints greaseable? Are they accessed in the engine bay or in the steering column?
Click to expand...
I do not think they are greaseable. You can get the top one threw above the motor in the hood. it was easier to do the bottom one on the ground
 
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