Steering problem

[fjj1]

Hi folks,

I wonder if you can provide a bit of advice - the other day I noticed that my steering doesn't seem to be smooth. When turning the wheel a significant amount, for example a 90 degree turn, the stiffness experienced whilst turning the wheel changes - i.e. the effort required to turn varies. When I start turning it's fairly loose, then there is more resistance, then less, then more, then less etc. This is something that seems new and I just noticed it about a week ago. I tried raising and lowering the steering wheel, that made no difference.

Does anything have any advice as to what could cause that? Is there something that I maybe need to lubricate or have checked?

Thanks,
FJJ1

[roosmith]

Have you checked your fluid level?

[teenmal]

Also check the steering pump drive belt and the steering shaft universal joints.

[fjj1]

Thanks folks, the fluid level looks bang on, I couldn't see a pump belt, but not 100% sure where I am looking, although I don't think it's the power steering cutting in and out - it doesn't seem as severe as that.

I put some grease on the CV steering joint on the column under the dashboard, and also a little grease where the shaft goes through the grommet above the brake pedal.

I'll take it for a drive later and see how I fare.

Thanks

[mikeonb4c]

Just to eliminate it from enquiries, are you 2WD or 4WD?

[teenmal]

The belts are at the front of the engine driven by the crankshaft pulley (2off)

You would probably be better using an oil on the TWO universal joints rather than grease and once freed (if that was the problem) cover the UJs with the grease.

[Northern Bongolow]

try this.

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... uj#p651229

[mikeonb4c]

try this.

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... uj#p651229

Fascinating thread, and I'd never seen it before. What else have I been missing on BF!?!

Makes me glad I don't have an airbag

[mikeWalsall]

I use an aerosol motor cycle chain lube on the UJs ..

It's designed to penetrate like oil .. but turns to stick on grease ... and with hundreds of tiny 'O' rings in the links of a chain .. is rubber safe ..

[Jaws]

Hi folks,

I wonder if you can provide a bit of advice - the other day I noticed that my steering doesn't seem to be smooth. When turning the wheel a significant amount, for example a 90 degree turn, the stiffness experienced whilst turning the wheel changes - i.e. the effort required to turn varies. When I start turning it's fairly loose, then there is more resistance, then less, then more, then less etc. This is something that seems new and I just noticed it about a week ago. I tried raising and lowering the steering wheel, that made no difference.

Does anything have any advice as to what could cause that? Is there something that I maybe need to lubricate or have checked?

Thanks,
FJJ1

Check the UJs first!! Carefully!! If all is well with these try flushing/changing fluid in power steering system. This is same as the fluid used in auto gearboxes (ATF) available from most motoring stores. The fluid in the reservoir should be a clear raspberry pink colour; if it is not it needs replacing.

I have a Pela oil pump and just repeatedly aspirated the fluid from the reservoir and topped up again with fresh fluid after turning the wheels from lock to lock with the engine running. Once the fluid was clear.... Voila: smooth steering again