Shaking while turning.
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From: San Diego
Shaking while turning.
I just picked up a 03' Aviator for my wife and just noticed the other day that when you turn sharp left the steering is shaking. I did a search and didn't get much. Has this been brought up before? I haven't been able to look at it yet and just trying to get some Ideas of what to check. I don't believe that it happens when turning right but not 100% sure. Thanks in advance for all input.
Logistics Pro
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Does it also do the shaking if you turn the steering hard left while the vehicle isn't moving? It could be air in the power steering, it could be a problem with the electric assist (assuming the Aviator has electric assist as well), or if it's only when moving it might be a suspension issue. Every hear clunks or pops when driving over bumps in the road?
-Rod
-Rod
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My Aviator does this a bit too, only when you have the wheel turned all the way to the left and at slow speed (i.e., pulling in to the driveway). The previous owner let the power steering fluid get real low, so for now I figured there was some air in the system. It will be one of my spring projects.
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Senior User
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From: San Diego
Does it also do the shaking if you turn the steering hard left while the vehicle isn't moving? It could be air in the power steering, it could be a problem with the electric assist (assuming the Aviator has electric assist as well), or if it's only when moving it might be a suspension issue. Every hear clunks or pops when driving over bumps in the road?
-Rod
-Rod
My Aviator does this a bit too, only when you have the wheel turned all the way to the left and at slow speed (i.e., pulling in to the driveway). The previous owner let the power steering fluid get real low, so for now I figured there was some air in the system. It will be one of my spring projects.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
The term I'm familiar with for Ford is Variable Assist Power Steering (VAPS). I'm not sure if the hydraulic system is truly self bleeding. I've read of several methods to help bleed it so if may be marketed as self bleeding even if it doesn't completely live up to that description.
You might also have binding from CV joints or a transfer case that is stuck in 4WD, but I think the Aviator is AWD rather than 4WD.
-Rod
You might also have binding from CV joints or a transfer case that is stuck in 4WD, but I think the Aviator is AWD rather than 4WD.
-Rod
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Senior User
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From: San Diego
The term I'm familiar with for Ford is Variable Assist Power Steering (VAPS). I'm not sure if the hydraulic system is truly self bleeding. I've read of several methods to help bleed it so if may be marketed as self bleeding even if it doesn't completely live up to that description.
You might also have binding from CV joints or a transfer case that is stuck in 4WD, but I think the Aviator is AWD rather than 4WD.
-Rod
You might also have binding from CV joints or a transfer case that is stuck in 4WD, but I think the Aviator is AWD rather than 4WD.
-Rod
The Aviators are considered AWD but I just have a regular 2 wheel drive, so no chance of anything like that.
I am gona try to look at it on Mon. to do some more looking at it. If anyone has any other sugestions please let me know.
Last edited by sleek122; Feb 12, 2010 at 01:52 AM. Reason: Added to post.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
You'll probably get a battery answer than what I remember if you search the forum. I think the location I saw the bleed process was on a different forum (which I won't mention here). I recall that it involved something like getting the front wheels off the ground and the PS reservoir higher than the rest of the steering system, then slowing turning the steering wheel from lock to lock, holding at lock for about 2 seconds each direction. Maybe I read that on a Ford Taurus forum.... Anyway, another way would be to remove the return line from the pump, hold it in a jar, and have a second person standing near to keep the reservoir topped off. Run the engine until you no longer see evidence of air in the fluid from the return line.
-Rod
-Rod
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This may be a silly answer but have you checked the tires for balance or a slipped belt. You could move the fronts to the back and see if it continues.
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From: San Diego
Update
O.K. I got a chance to look at it this last weekend. I put it up and checked the front end. Looks like the ball joints, tie rod ends, and A arm bushings/bearings are good. Everything seems to be tight and no play anywhere I could see of.
I also took it to test it again and it seems if you are going slow turning it doesn't shake. It is also doing it when I turn right. It starts to shake when you are at or almost at full turn left or right. The only time it does it is when driving, I can turn the wheels when sitting and it just has a little whine in the power steering. Could this be the power rack causing this problem? Right now I am at a loss on what could be the problem. I still want to take it to an alignment shop and have them look it over but not sure if they will find anything either.
I also took it to test it again and it seems if you are going slow turning it doesn't shake. It is also doing it when I turn right. It starts to shake when you are at or almost at full turn left or right. The only time it does it is when driving, I can turn the wheels when sitting and it just has a little whine in the power steering. Could this be the power rack causing this problem? Right now I am at a loss on what could be the problem. I still want to take it to an alignment shop and have them look it over but not sure if they will find anything either.
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