Loose/Hard steering wheel problems

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Dec 23, 2010 | 03:29 AM

Nonstickrudy

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Loose/Hard steering wheel problems

My steering wheel sometimes tightens to the point where I have to use a lot of force to turn it. I am afraid it will soon cause an accident, does anyone have any input on this situation? The car is a 97 Formula, also the steering column is quite loose and the tightness usually happens during the cold and the first start up of the day. Thanks

Dec 23, 2010 | 03:32 AM

red93z28lt1

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From: Lincoln Ne

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nonstickrudy

have you checked to see if everything is hooked up right under the hood?
or as in the power steering not working right?

Dec 23, 2010 | 03:33 AM

Nonstickrudy

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Yeah I checked under the hood, but everything seems to be ok. I was going to jump the gun and just replace the pump but wanted to go through all the small things first.

Dec 23, 2010 | 03:52 AM

red93z28lt1

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From: Lincoln Ne

does anything wobble? like steering wheel loose?

Dec 23, 2010 | 06:24 AM

leadfoot4

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From: Webster, NY

I suggest that you remove the lower part of the steering shaft, and check both the u-joints for any issues, and the rag joint, to see if it's damaged. Also check to make sure the retaining bolt, where the u-joint connects to the rack, is tight.

After that, I'd jack up the front of the car, suck the power steering fluid out, refill the reservoir, start the car and turn the wheels full lock, left to right, a couple of times. Then shut the car off, suck the fluid out, refill, start and turn wheels, etc, a couple more times, to get fresh fluid throughout the rack and pump.