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Power steering question
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Posted by: Tang

Ok, we're working on a Ford Taurus with power steering issues.

The car drives fine, except when you start to turn left. Its like the wheel is hitting something, its pretty hard to turn. The power steering pump is new,and the tie rods are good. One is new as a matter of fact.

Any ideas fellas ?

Posted by: Grape Ape

All I can say is to check over the entire suspension system, including the drive axle and the tire. If nothing's loose or otherwise broken, you may have a bearing issue or something else wrong with the CV-joint. If it feels like it's trying to "fight to turn," you may have a bad rack.

Posted by: Tang

By the way, it turns freely when on jack stands. So when the weight is on it binds. But its more of a "stiff" thing, it really doesnt try pushing back at you.

Posted by: Volvord 784VC

Sounds like a seal leak. When you start to turn the wheel, with power rack and pinion, hydraulic flud under pressure is directed to a piston which seals inside the rack housing. If this seal is leaking it will pressurize both sides of the piston and make steering very hard.

The fix is replacing the steering rack, usually rebuilt racks are available at "reasonable" prices.

Posted by: Tang

Thanks, and welcome to the site

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