Hard Steering - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

macboy · 07-18-2002, 23:46

Hi everyone,

I was hoping someone could help me out please. I drive an EA 89 5sp S Pac and of late I've been having some steering problems. This is the scenario: When the car is standing still, it's really hard to turn the wheel but when am driving it's fine. This occurs in the morning (taking out of the garage) etc.
This wasn't happening before - my p/s fluid is full, i filled it the other week.
Many thanks for any replies.
Thanks mates.

Troutman · 07-19-2002, 00:42

Welcome. I hope you aware that you aren't supposed to turn the wheel when the car is stationary?

Is the steering making any noises?

eager · 07-19-2002, 00:44

did u check tyre pressure,is it idling too low?

ben · 07-19-2002, 09:41

you need a new power steering pump, check the belt tension first, if its loose or old and worn it wont drive the pump properly. Unless you have a faulty rack (does it leak fluid and have uneven turning circles etc. ??)

when you turn it and your moving, if you turn it fast does it shudder ?

ben

macboy · 07-20-2002, 17:18

Thanks guys for your replies, I do appreciate it heaps.
Jack: yes, i can hear noises, a few creaks, etc when i'm turning. Also, haha yes I know that you aren't supposed to turn the wheel when stationary. What I meant was when I'm moving the car out slowly, say from a reverse park - it's so hard to turn the wheel. But once she's running, she's alright!
Ben: The power steering pump was only changed last year. And it doesn't shudder at all when I turn fast etc. It's smooooth driving when I build speed.
eager: Tyre pressure is good and the idle is fine. Around the 600rpm mark.

Many thanks once again guys, for your replies, any further help would be much appreciated.
Have a good one.

Sundeep · 07-20-2002, 20:53

Have you checked the belt tension/condition yet?

Looks like it is acting like a car with out power steering. This is usually caused by a worn belt.

Sundeep

Rollin · 07-22-2002, 05:31

come on the meet on aug 11, then i can have a look and a feel and i might be able to help you - look in the 'meets' section for details

STRAIGHTSIX · 07-23-2002, 23:21

I would check the lower steering column bearing,it is common for these to fail mine did.