OK, I'm quite depressed. I experienced an issue with the steering. It happened over night (meaning quickly). Going around a corner the steering stuck in position, not stuck completely, it moves, just very heavy. I had to pull it back to neutral to avoid hitting the curb. The steering felt heavy in neutral position. So I thought it was the pump. I just finished putting in a new pump. No joy. Same problem and the pump sounds exactly as it should. After filling the reservoir, I cycled the steering lock to lock a number of times with the motor off. Every 360 degress it feels like it binds or at least hits a sticking spot going both directions and always in the same spot. With the motor off and wheels off the ground I describe the steering as lumpy, not smooth and consistent like it should be. Any thoughts?

 

Sounds like it's either the lower steering column binding up or the steering rack. you can disconnect the steering column from the rack and turn it to see if it binds. If it does that's your problem, otherwise a rack is expensive.

 

I recently developed the EXACT same problem about 2 weeks ago on my 2003 MCS.

I too have a new pump, which worked perfectly for about 1000km, and then i developed these tight spots in the steering.

If you turn from lock to lock it is almost like smooth---tight--smooth--tight ETC, however at center the steering is fine, it is maybe 1/4 of a turn where the first tight spot develops.

It also does not feel like there is an issue with the powersteering as the wheel will actually stick when turning and not return to center on its own.

I have a feeling it is either the steering coloumn or the rack, both seem difficult and expensive to install :(

 

How do you go about disconnecting the rack from the coloumn? I am assuming there is a fastener that unhooks the joint from the rack? If so is it usually a tight/difficult area to work in?

 

Yes, sounds like exactly the problem I have. Going out now to put it up on jack stands, pull the wheels off and find where the column attaches to the rack.

 

I just disconnected the rack from the lower u joint. It was very difficult as the U joint did not want to bend up and away from the rack spindle. The other axis bends just fine, but the rack end of the U joint will not bend the other direction. Seems like the U joint may be culprit, is this possible? Can just the U joint be replaced? I moved the wheels and rack lock to lock while disconnected and didn't feel any lumpiness.

 

The culprit is a bad U joint on the lower steering spindle. Ordered a new one from ECS $149 shipped.

 

Just remove the 13mm nut and bolt that connects it to the rack, then a prybar and pop it off. I use a swivel socket and a real long extension.

Let me know if you need the column, we sell ALL the OEM parts, just don't have them on the site. Just email or call and we'll get them for you.

 

Thanks! I will remove the column tonight and get back to you if that is my issue too.

I am assuming the column pulls out through the inside of the car after being disconnected from the steering rack?

 

If you are going to remove it completely, there is a bolt on top, too. My quarter inch ratchet worked for this, but it was still a pain in the ***. Then, yes, it comes out from inside the car.