Love_00_Max

I am experiencing hard steering at different speeds and more predominantly at low speeds, raised the car and checked everything from pump, rack, strut bearings rotate nicely etc etc.

I am suspecting the steeing column is binding somewhere and this is what I got from the maintainance manual. Can someone tell me which part in the column needs to be regreased.

Inspection
When steering wheel does not turn smoothly, check the steering
column as follows and replace damaged parts.
a) Check column bearings for damage or unevenness. Lubricate
with recommended multi-purpose grease or replace steering
column as an assembly, if necessary.
b) Check jacket tube for deformation or breakage. Replace if
necessary.

Lsgun1

iTrader: (1)

I've had a few experiences where the steering was hard and would get better when revving. The PS fluid was full and there were no leaks but the pump was binding. Did you remove the belt and turn the pump by hand?

N2003TE

iTrader: (-1)

Are you on stock wheels and tires??

Love_00_Max

Yes.. Everything is stock!!!

Love_00_Max

bump...

nelledge

iTrader: (6)

I've seen this happen on BMWs(they have rag joints). The upper and lower joints have bearings that can fail over time. The joint no longer moves smoothly. Once the joint begins to fail it can "stick" in an angular position that can cause the steering to bind. This is more noticeable at lower speeds for obvious reasons. The lower one is sold separately. I think I have a 4th gen one in my garage, actually. I believe the upper only comes as part of the column shaft. Inspect the lower. It usually fails first. Let us know what you find.

Love_00_Max

I was reading thro some threads and it was discussed that the strut bearing has to be regreased (kind of often). I know if there is binding there then hard steering is a possiblity too. Do I need to get the struts down and regrease the bearings? That plastic thingy which has 2 parts to it -- only today did I know it can be separated and regreased.

I can do it but will it help (Mobil1 Syn Grease is a lithium based grease and I think that would work)... Experts chime in..