Something seriously wrong with the steering

[daveknight1979]

Hi folks.
The car in question belongs to a lady friend so I've joined here to try and figure out the problem with the help of you lovely people.

She asked me to have a look at it for her as she's quite worried about it. I am too now I've experienced it.

It's hard to describe, but I'll try. With engine running, when you input steering, either clockwise or anti clockwise, the steering pump makes quite a bit of noise, and when you stop inputting steering the wheel kicks back quite violently. It's not returning to centre, but does kick back about the same amount from the point you stop inputting. I'm fairly mechanically minded, but struggling to piece together the cause of this problem. I've advised her not to drive it if possible till it can be solved.

Any help you can give is gratefully appreciate.

Dave.

[gazza82]

Take it you've checked steering fluids?

[Capncol]

Sounds like sticky shuttle valve in the rack, or really tight/seized ball joints. Try jacking it up and see how easy the steering turns by twisting one of the wheels left and right. Should be able to do it with moderate force (Engine off, steering lock off)

[daveknight1979]

Take it you've checked steering fluids?

Hi thank you.

Yes I checked the fluids, all seemed fine.

[daveknight1979]

Sounds like sticky shuttle valve in the rack, or really tight/seized ball joints. Try jacking it up and see how easy the steering turns by twisting one of the wheels left and right. Should be able to do it with moderate force (Engine off, steering lock off)

Hi thank you.

I'll get her up in the air and have a look. It really feels like something is physically pushing the steering back against the input. I guess it could be a result of pressure build up from a valve not opening. Didn't think of that. It is that kind of force, rather than a mechanical one, if that makes sense.

[Capncol]

It really feels like something is physically pushing the steering back against the input. I guess it could be a result of pressure build up from a valve not opening

Thats why I said try with engine off- You are taking the power assist out of the equation.
Another thing to check is the spring turrets, but they usually make a "twanging" noise.