I'm having a steering problem (hard spot+squeal at limit)

[Maim Menu]

This last week I noticed my steering having hard spots intermittently. It did it maybe once or twice. Now today while waiting for a car wash it did the same thing but this time I could play around with it for a bit.

- When I hit a hard spot the steering wheel kind of vibrates as I'm going through the "spot". Same while steering both sides. It doesn't seem like the hard spots were always at the same place.

- I noticed at the same time that the belt or pump squeals when the steering wheel hits the limit on both sides. I do not remember that squeal ever happening before.

Jacked the car up and inspected.

Ball joints have torn boots and bunch of grease all around them so I will be replacing them soon, but I do not think they could be causing my problem. Did not noticed any looseness is other components.

Note that I have some "custom" P/S lines that have been installed by a shop two years ago. They told me factory PS lines were too expensive so they bent some tubing and made some for me. It's been holding up but I have a question regarding this :

Could a fluid restriction in these line caused the PS pump to be damaged? Just asking since it's been running fine for two years.

[kirochan]

Check your power steering fluid and check your belt. If the belt starts to get loose it can do what you are describing.

I dont see a problem with the custom lines of yours. I only say that because you did take it to a shop (not to say that all shop know what they are doing) and it has been working fine for two years since then. I am sure your belt is that old though, if not older.

[Mister_Perkins]

The limit squeal is probably caused by the belt being loose.

there's a good write up on power steering rebuild that you may want to check out

Link:
DIY: 1MZ V6 P/S (power steering) pump rebuild

Even though its a V6, it should be very similar in how to replace the parts.

Power Steering Stop Leak is totally effective at removing hard spots and tightness in worn rack & pinions. To correct worn rack and pinions, empty the reservoir and refill it with Lucas PSSL (usually 12 oz.). Results are immediate and long lasting. 12 OZ. BOTTLE

Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak
Product# LP10008
Detailed Info Price US $8.70 Qty

Your steering wheel is attached to a Shaft that connects to your Steering Rack. Where it attaches there is a U Shaped joint that when you turn your steering wheel it makes your steering rack move which in turn makes your tires move left or right depending on what direction you turn the wheel



What happens is this joint gets dry and dirty and when it spins around it catches (hence the hard spots) Spraying some Lubricant on there allows it to freely spin. It could just be a wore out power steering belt, or your pump could be going bad. But it never hurts to try to lubricate this and see if the problem gets resolved

Just keep in mind, if it does fix the problem .. this is only a temporary fix. Your U-Joint is going bad, and will need replaced, which is a $220.00 > Installed item IIRC

[Maim Menu]

The U joint has been changed this summer so I doubt it already went bad, I'm gonna check for a belt change!

Thanks all, will report back