New steering issue (turning past center position).

[Meteorite]

This past summer, I replace the lower intermediate shaft of my Marauder's steering linkage, because one of the U-joints in it was entirely bound up, making the car really hard to steer.

After replacing the lower shaft, the steering was perfect for a few months, smooth and easy.

Now, for the past month or so (since it got really cold in Michigan), I have a new problem. Especially when I first drive the car after letting it sit, there is a "catch" in the steering when moving past the dead center position, either to the left or right.

This problem has been documented before on this site (for example this old thread, from which I now quote):

I have a catch in the steering when i make a turn from a stop right or left, when i turn the the steering wheel it acts like it is locked and then it pops and turns. I do not notice it all the time, do have any suggestions.

Does anyone know the definitive solution to this? I have checked the bolts that hold the shaft to the upper shaft and to the rack, and they are still tight.

 

[FordNut]

I would suspect the steering rack.

 

[breeze]

i have that problem time to time too

 

[Meteorite]

i have that problem time to time too

Does it go away eventually?

Ever take it to a dealership for this issue?

 

[03blackmerc]

im feelin a slight bind in my steering right now. do you have the p/n for the lower intermediate shaft? i think that may be the problem, its seems to be only hard to steer in certain spots thow.

 

[Meteorite]

im feelin a slight bind in my steering right now. do you have the p/n for the lower intermediate shaft? i think that may be the problem, its seems to be only hard to steer in certain spots thow.

I'll try to get the part number (and post a picture) for you in a couple of days.

 

[03blackmerc]

funny thing yesterday after about a 45min drive the steering fixed itself for now. its been having that bind for about 2 months now then all of a sudden its factory again. ford magic or somethings about to break i dont kno???? i kno we have the speed sensitive steering in the MM i dont kno if that has anything to do with it? maybe a sensor? even when i let go of the wheel to let it come back to the straight position it wouldnt until i pulled it back straight. thats whats leading me to belive its a U joint issue in the linkage.

 

[Black_Kannin]

This past summer, I replace the lower intermediate shaft of my Marauder's steering linkage, because one of the U-joints in it was entirely bound up, making the car really hard to steer.

After replacing the lower shaft, the steering was perfect for a few months, smooth and easy.

Now, for the past month or so (since it got really cold in Michigan), I have a new problem. Especially when I first drive the car after letting it sit, there is a "catch" in the steering when moving past the dead center position, either to the left or right.

This problem has been documented before on this site (for example this old thread, from which I now quote):



Does anyone know the definitive solution to this? I have checked the bolts that hold the shaft to the upper shaft and to the rack, and they are still tight.

^^Had that same problem when I had my Chrysler Sebring....It was a cold weather problem first off but after driving, it smoothed itself out. I just never took the time to find out the problem. I pondered a power steering flush and fill but I never acted.

 

[Meteorite]

im feelin a slight bind in my steering right now. do you have the p/n for the lower intermediate shaft? i think that may be the problem, its seems to be only hard to steer in certain spots thow.

I'll attach a photo of the part. Part No. is 5W1Z-3B676-AA.

In my case, this turned out not to be the issue. The shaft I installed in the summer is still perfectly good. I think it is something with the steering rack.

^^Had that same problem when I had my Chrysler Sebring....It was a cold weather problem first off but after driving, it smoothed itself out. I just never took the time to find out the problem. I pondered a power steering flush and fill but I never acted.

I may try that.

I also wonder if air bubbles in the steering fluid circuit could cause this issue?