[designguy96]

I have a issue with overly heavy steering. The first half turn in each direction is very stiff at slow speeds and the steering wheel does not return to center on its own, it stays stuck where it is until I turn it manually. I hear no obvious sounds or clunking coming from the engine bay or interior. The PS fluid level is ok.

While searching it appears this could be cause by a number of things.
1) alignment
2) PS pump
3)Lower steering shaft
4) the steering rack

Can anyone help suggest a way I can trouble shoot this on my own to narrow down list? What would be the best parts to start replacing first if nothing obvious stands out?

Thanks in advance.

[SE7EN335]

Here is your plan of attack.

Inspect PS fluid, if its low, add some more PS fluid (check whether it takes ATF or CHF 11S)

If the fluid is ok or the problem still persists, then check if the PS pump is whining when you turn the steering wheel. If it does, likely your PS pump is shot.

If the PS pump is ok, look at your lower steering shaft. Spray some WD40 onto it and if the problem goes away then it's most likely the steering shaft and then once the WD40 wears off, the problem will return even worse. If the problem doesn't go away, it is either your steering shaft that is shot or your steering rack that is shot.

But 99% of the time, it is either PS fluid, PS pump or Steering shaft.

[juld0zer]

Check your tyre pressures and make sure the rear wheels are on the rear if your car has wider rears.

Alignments are cheap before throwing parts at it. Get one done before you commit to any parts.

Check the strut top mounts and serpentine belt + tensioner and pulleys too.

[designguy96]

Thanks for the replies.

I flushed the fluid and no sound from the PS pump.

I ended up unlocking the steering wheel adjustment and cycling the wheel a few times and them locked it into a slightly higher position. Once I did that the steering was smooth. So I'm suspecting it may be the U-joint in the lower steering shaft biding up.

[SE7EN335]

Originally Posted by designguy96

Thanks for the replies.

I flushed the fluid and no sound from the PS pump.

I ended up unlocking the steering wheel adjustment and cycling the wheel a few times and them locked it into a slightly higher position. Once I did that the steering was smooth. So I'm suspecting it may be the U-joint in the lower steering shaft biding up.

A 100% way to know if it is the U-joint, is when the car is stationary and on the ground. Grab the lower steering shaft and see if there is any play at the u joint as you tug on it back and forth. If there is, your shaft is likely to be shot. Also can someone to turn the steering wheel whilst you watch the shaft, if there is noticeable movement of the shaft in any direction, your shaft is shot.

[TomD335xicoupe]

same problem change my intermediate shaft problem solved .

[leif20]

This problem might be a binding U-Joint.

I just posted a quick how-to here: https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1528044