I am having the same problem (2004. model). Sticking steering at any speed; start happening quite suddenly. At one repair shop, they told me they have to rebuild a hydraulic steering rack, at a place where they are fixing heavy trucks steerings they started to gently hammer (tapping) the steering shaft cross and spraying it with WD-40, just as TonyP suggested, and it worked. Now it is OK, almost all the time - but I don't know for how long.its the 2nd time this has happened, the steering is getting stiff when trying to turn it, the last time it happened my garage fixed it, has anyone had this???
best wishes wooley
I'm experiencing a very similar problem for the second time.
I had the pump replaced and it made no difference.
A different garage said it was the rack. So I replaced that
stiff/clunky steering had returned.
Had that replaced - as well as the power steering lines due to a leak - and it seemed better; albeit not perfect on the drive home.
The day after I did a 100 mile drive and the problem has returned again.
Garage has now advised that replacing the pump is the next logical step.
Hard steering | 3. Tires (Improperly inflated) 4. Power steering fluid level (Low) 5. Drive belt (Loose) 6. Front wheel alignment (Incorrect) 7. Steering system joints (Worn) 8. Suspension arm ball joints (Worn) 9. Steering column (Binding) 10.Power steering gear |
But i'm wondering myself if the track rod ends are dry of grease and seizing up , dismantling to get at the rack would free them up for a time ?
I thought it was you said the rack was refurbished ?
I don't pay much attention to the 120 questions but its always sad to see someone getting to thinking it can't be fixed because it always can , trouble is most garages like to swap out expensive parts first .
Trying to apply logic without really knowing because i've never taken a steering columb apart i will assume the rubber boot hides a sliding ram which brings to mind my 90's stiff steering being maladjusted due to a body lift (the spacer made it too long) soooooooo if your sliding ram seizes up perhaps that has the same effect i.e making the steering stiff because the shaft is a little too long ?