S40 T5 Stiff Steering

[welshphil7805]

Hi all i have a strange fault on my car.
The steering has a hard spot just left and right of centre when cold.
This eases up when driven for a few miles.
I am led to believe that this model has hydro/electric power steering and is speed sensitive.
The symptoms are only present when moving and stationary the steering is as it should be.
i have looked on various sites and some mentioned the lower steering u/j being partially seized but if that is the case then it should be sticking at any speed.
I am thinking it could be either the rack or the pump.
i intend to do a fluid flush first then see what happens.
Has anyone had a similar fault?

[Welton]

It could be something mechanical like worn top mount bearings (I had to change mine) do you get groaning noises when working the steering left/right?

Also check the inner and outer tie rods (track rod ends) for signs of wear (will give a notchy feel to the steering).

To be fair the PAS electric pump gives no real issues to speak of on this forum.

[welshphil7805]

Yes thanks Welton.
I have recently changed both front shock absorbers' and the top mounts were fine. My issue is if there was something worn the steering stiffness would be there all the time and not when the engine or system is cold,which leads me back to a dodgy rack.

[cheshired5]

Start with the basics so fluid first (check the spec) then see where you're at.
No point worrying about other stuff until it's time to worry about other stuff.

[Bungo]

I seem to recall this being an issue for some on here. From memory I don't think it was a straight forward fix and was related to fluid/pump, but as suggested I think a fluid flush and replace is first option.

[welshphil7805]

Well i have drained and flushed the system.
Removed the reservoir cleaned all the crud on the inside. Refilled, driven and siphoned with fresh oil 3 times.
Still has a tight spot slightly left and right of centre. I think the next cheapest step will be the rack.
The consensus of opinion is the rack is most likely the culprit so i have been pricing them on various sites.
Hopefully this will sort out this annoying problem.

[Bungo]

Not sure how many miles you have but steering racks don't usually cause problems, and less likely given it's temperature related and specific to that position left and right.
As I said, I have a funny feeling no one has found an answer to this issue.

[welshphil7805]

Hi Bungo,
It has 130,000 so it has been around the block a few times.
The strange thing is when the system is cold the hard spots are felt but gradually as it warms up it starts to become a normal assisted system,but it never completely disappears. It can still be felt very slightly when hot.
I have never come across a fault like it in my career.
Although its not dangerous at the moment just annoying I think I will just live with it and sort out the other issues it has first.

[heyskull]

You have similar issues as my car.
Except on a cold morning it has a tight spot in the middle and after a few miles it dissapears completely.
I haven't done a fluid change yet but I honestly think it is debris in the fluid and after leaving overnight it settles to the middle of the rack.
I keep meaning to leave it with the wheels turned to full lock and see if it moves the position of the tight spot.

SC

[V50France]

Originally Posted by welshphil7805

Hi Bungo,
It has 130,000 so it has been around the block a few times.
The strange thing is when the system is cold the hard spots are felt but gradually as it warms up it starts to become a normal assisted system,but it never completely disappears. It can still be felt very slightly when hot.
I have never come across a fault like it in my career.
Although its not dangerous at the moment just annoying I think I will just live with it and sort out the other issues it has first.

Hi Welsh Phil,

I have what feels like the same problem as the one you described. I also have a T5 (2004, 172,000 miles, still fantastic) I first noticed it about a year ago ie in the onset of the cold and wet weather of the winter. I had the strut top bearings replaced but no real improvement. In the summer the problem was not really noticeable but now it is back for the winter. I wonder if you resolved the problem and if so what was the answer?

Cheers, Keith