08 40K Miles Stiff Power Steering

david_jr · #1 (**permalink**) 02-12-2013, 01:33 PM

I have noticed the last few months especially in colder weather that the power steering is very stiff when turning. It is fine going straight ahead, but when you make a right or left turn the wheel fights you and then you have to deliberately turn back to straight because the wheel doesn't just spin back like normal. Is this just because of the colder winter this year? I don't recall this problem last winter. Just turned 40K and getting ready for a service so I will have them check it. A search here turned up nothing.

RI-Matt · #2 (**permalink**) 02-12-2013, 06:14 PM

Check the steering shaft joint and knuckle ( where the upper and lower shaft join ) I had this happen on my 06 F150 and what happened was the steering shaft knuckle corroded and caused it to bind. Seeing as you're in the Berkshires I'm sure the roads are treated with all sorts of crap and the salt just eats away at stuff.

Matt

david_jr · #3 (**permalink**) 02-13-2013, 01:25 PM

Thanks for the tip.

david_jr · #4 (**permalink**) 02-25-2013, 03:10 PM

I took it to the dealer today. They've had it all day and I haven't heard a thing. Hope they checked it this morning when it was cold. Drove it yesterday in mid 30's and the steering seems almost normal. Definitely steers hard in the cold. We'll see.

david_jr · #5 (**permalink**) 03-19-2013, 01:45 PM

Dealer said he could find nothing wrong with the steering. Been driving it for 3 weeks since then and the last week the stiff steering is back. Also engine light is on only a few hundred miles after a dealer service. Puzzling. Fuel filler cap is tight I checked it.