Power Steering resistance...

[toddjb122]

Yesterday I noticed that at mid-highway speeds (35-50 mph) I am getting some resistance in the wheel when I make turns. I noticed it first on on/off ramps. There is more resistance, but it is not difficult to push past it. Odd.

No leaks detected. Alignment seems good. Tires look fine.

My power steering fluid is at the MIN line when cold and midway when hot.

I was planning on just topping off the fluid tomorrow morning when things are cool and see if that is the issue. Figured I'd ping the folks here in the meantime.

What other scary expensive problems might I be facing?

 

[tlt]

It does not seem too complicated. You should be able to pressure test them pump, the most likely culprit. You'll need to check to see if it should be full hot or cold, usually hot on most vehicles if I recall.

Most likely you can pick up a used one reasonably, new one hopefully not too much either.

 

[toddjb122]

Thanks for the reply, tlt.
It went away..... ?
Mechanic said the fluid level (min when cold, middle when hot) is normal. Don't add anything. Bring it in if I notice the behavior again. It is likely mechanical, but he is not sure why it would go away...

 

[Disco Mike]

How many miles on your truck, the fluid needs to be changed every 25,000 to 30,000 miles or you cab damage the pump.

 

[roverman]

25000-30000....No it doesn't.

 

[Disco Mike]

Sure it doesn't, doesn't mean they are right.
Every Rover up to the 04's have always suggested 30,000 mile or 36 months and that holds true for most vehicles.Rover also says you don't need to service the diffs, t/case and tranny, And look at there failure rate.
Sure you don't have to do this, thats your call, but past history shows it is not a good idea especially when the volumm of fluids have been reduced.

 

[waspjr123]

The fluid can cook Hense why some vehicles have power steering coolers. So yeah you should every now and then and i am not sure but have you looked at the bushings? Also not sure if ours have shimmey dampners or a drag link it could be something like that and when a pump goes it will grone or leak because of cavitation internally

 

[PaulLR3]

Well Mike, since '04 the service interval probably changed because the composition of the power steering fluid changed. Every vehicle today has more synthetic fluids.

The power steering pump in two of my Audis failed, one at about 5000 miles. As noted by waspjr123, it starts out as a groaning noise when you turn the steering wheel and only gets louder until you replace it.