Strange steering characteristic

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gwittman

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Just recently my steering has started acting strange. After turning a corner the steering used to basically return to straight ahead by itself. Now, I have to assist it to return to straight ahead. It is much worse when it is cold but I can still detect it when warmed up.

When driving a straight down a road or just turning slightly it still has that on center feel but after going around a 90 degree corner it acts up. I am thinking about changing the power steering fluid and flushing everything including the screen in the reservoir to see if that will help.

Anyone have any other ideas what could cause this?
 
I would guess that one, or more, of the joints on the tie rod, or center rod, are starting to bind. How old are they? I had a similar problem with my Audi. After replacing all the front suspension and steering components, the steering would not return to center by itself after completing a turn. I was told this was due to the newer, upgraded HD components being stiff. It has gotten better over time but still needs a slight assist.
 
Sven, The center rod was replaced last year and no problem showed up until recently. The outer tie rods were in great condition but I will take a closer look.

Chris, The strut bearings crossed my mind but I kind of dismissed it because the power steering works well otherwise. Thanks for the reminder. I will have to check that possibility also.
 
My 02 had this issue, the washer between strut and bearing was backwards but it can also be caused by wear. Mechanic called it Memory Steer.
 
Change the filter in the fluid reservoir. It's at the bottom and you have to remove the strainer at the top to get to it.
If the fluid is not flowing well it will not pump the correct pressure and therefore not have the steering return properties that it should have.

Very common E12 and e28 problem with very similar steering.
Filter is $20 or so.

HTH,
Gary
 
My thinking was more along the lines of the screen being restricted. I was not aware of a filter in there. I will definitely be taking a look at that and replace it. This has not been done in the 32 years I owned it and I doubt it was done before I bought it. I think it is time to replace it. Since this came on so quickly, my bet is; it is something in the power steering.

The steering box has not been adjusted in many years. From what I know, typically a steering box that is too tight will feel tight 'on and near' center but will loosen up off center. My steering has basically the opposite action.

I am still keeping all the suggestions in mind.

Thanks for the help.
 
The above are worthy symptoms (and show how much can go wrong with front end components), but there's another that hasn't been mentioned: the steering column u-joint just above the steering box can get sticky. DAMHIK... Get both front wheels off the ground and turn the wheel fully right and left. If there is a recurring binding spot I suggest the u-joint may be the culprit.

Last time this afflicted me, I took it out and boiled it in a tin can of ATF to get some lube into it. This has been successful for several years.

Or you could buy another...

R&R are a bit of a hassle but not as tough as R&R of the starter.
 
Could be as simple as alignment. Before I'd pull the world apart do a self check or have a shop do it.
 
^^^^Good advice^^^
Start with the free easy things and move on from there.
after looking at the toe in you can jack up the front and turn the wheel lock to lock
beware adjusting the steering box- proper torque is very small and results are disastrous
if overdone
 
I wanted to take a look at it this weekend but too much other stuff got in the way. The toe was set about six months ago and it was working fine before and after that. I don't think that is the problem.

I am not a frivolous spender, so, you can be assured I will start with the free checks first. I am still pretty sure the problem is related to the power steering in some way. The filter in the power steering reservoir is probably the same one that came with it from the factory. I think that needs to be replaced even if it is not causing the problem.

I will report my findings.
 
I forgot about this thread and never did follow up. I am now replacing an out tie rod and came across this thread while doing a search.

The original steering problem was resolved by removing all the fluid in the reservoir and cleaning it out. I also replaced the old filter with a new one. I then refilled the reservoir with new fluid. It immediately showed a very noticeable improvement but did have a slight lingering slow return to self centering. I continued to drive it and within a few weeks it returned to normal. It has been working great since then until I started noticing a clunk sometimes when turning the steering wheel.

A quick investigation revealed a lose ball joint on the right tie rod. I guess they don't last forever.
 
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