Author Topic: Greater Steering Resistance?  (Read 4330 times)

August 30, 2015, 07:54:42 pm

Sidamo

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Greater Steering Resistance?
« on: August 30, 2015, 07:54:42 pm »
Background: Somewhat new-to-me (about 9 months) 1981 diesel caddy 5 speed
I have lots of receipts for suspension/steering work done in the past 5 years, steering rack not among them
Vehicle was rear ended pretty good right before I got it, frame *likely* not damaged.

I pulled into a parking spot, came back 10 minutes later and got back on the road... I immediately noticed it took more effort to steer.

It feels exactly like loosing a power steering pump except not quite as much resistance. That is to say, it's even resistance throughout the range of steering. It's not loose feeling, no clunks or weird sound, just harder to turn.

Stupid question first: Does this car have power steering, and I just can't find the reservoir??

My initial thoughts are bearing in steering rack, or an alignment issue, but it doesn't drift at all. I can't imagine a bad tie rod end or a bushing/bearing somewhere else in the system would make it this noticeably harder to turn, but maybe?

Suspension feels normal, no flat tires, etc. Any thoughts as to what could be the problem?



Reply #1August 31, 2015, 04:16:34 pm

Dakotakid

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Re: Greater Steering Resistance?
« Reply #1 on: August 31, 2015, 04:16:34 pm »
This reminds me....I have been meaning to as if we could start a "best of GTD" thread...
The mask and the shot(s) are actually an IQ test. If you are wearing or circulating, you just failed the test. I can't feel sorry for you.

Reply #2September 02, 2015, 11:56:18 pm

Sidamo

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Re: Greater Steering Resistance?
« Reply #2 on: September 02, 2015, 11:56:18 pm »
Awesome. Super helpful.

Power steering fluid reservoir, if there is one, would be located above the alternator, ya?

Reply #3September 03, 2015, 12:04:55 am

vanbcguy

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Re: Greater Steering Resistance?
« Reply #3 on: September 03, 2015, 12:04:55 am »
There'd also be a power steering pump being driven by a belt on the engine and power steering lines going to the steering rack.  If you don't have those you don't have power steering.

LOTS of Mk1 vehicles did not have power steering as they are so light it's not really necessary.  If you're experiencing a sudden increase in steering effort (or even a gradual one over time) it's probably one of your strut bearings.
Bryn

1994 Jetta - AHU M-TDI - Jezebel Jetta
2004 Jetta Wagon - 1.8T - Blitzen

Reply #4September 03, 2015, 11:41:35 am

Sidamo

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Re: Greater Steering Resistance?
« Reply #4 on: September 03, 2015, 11:41:35 am »
Thank you for the pointers. I figured no power steering but wanted to be extra sure.

I'll take a peek at the strut bearings tonight. Again, thanks for some direction.

Reply #5September 09, 2015, 03:45:04 pm

srgtlord

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Re: Greater Steering Resistance?
« Reply #5 on: September 09, 2015, 03:45:04 pm »
That sounds just like when i received my vw golf  a few years back. The previous owner had removed the spring hats... Not sure why they did this but I experienced the same resistance that you are describing

Reply #6September 09, 2015, 10:11:35 pm

ORCoaster

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Re: Greater Steering Resistance?
« Reply #6 on: September 09, 2015, 10:11:35 pm »
Hasn't it been mentioned to drop a little oil on top those struts every 6 mths?  Not a lot, like 6 - 8 drops.  Never over do oil, it just grabs dirt and turns to grime. 

Reply #7September 10, 2015, 11:09:03 am

vanbcguy

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Re: Greater Steering Resistance?
« Reply #7 on: September 10, 2015, 11:09:03 am »
Hydraulic oil was the old Hagar recommendation... Just a capful mind you...
Bryn

1994 Jetta - AHU M-TDI - Jezebel Jetta
2004 Jetta Wagon - 1.8T - Blitzen

Reply #8September 10, 2015, 07:20:26 pm

ORCoaster

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Re: Greater Steering Resistance?
« Reply #8 on: September 10, 2015, 07:20:26 pm »
Recommendation yes, but was it necessary or a good thing to do?  Hagar had some strange ideas at times.  Some just didn't make much sense, myth not fact. 

Reply #9September 10, 2015, 08:15:26 pm

vanbcguy

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Re: Greater Steering Resistance?
« Reply #9 on: September 10, 2015, 08:15:26 pm »
Necessary? No, it's not in the Bentley. Wise? Well there IS a "bearing" in there... A little lubrication won't hurt as long as it doesn't bring in dirt or act as a solvent to whatever is supposed to be there.
Bryn

1994 Jetta - AHU M-TDI - Jezebel Jetta
2004 Jetta Wagon - 1.8T - Blitzen

Reply #10September 11, 2015, 04:39:50 pm

ORCoaster

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Re: Greater Steering Resistance?
« Reply #10 on: September 11, 2015, 04:39:50 pm »
I hear PAM cooking spray is as good as WD-40.  Maybe a shot of that?  And some Chicken?

Reply #11September 12, 2015, 04:03:01 am

vanbcguy

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Re: Greater Steering Resistance?
« Reply #11 on: September 12, 2015, 04:03:01 am »
Now we all know solvents don't make good lubricants! But if the chicken is fried I'm totally in.
Bryn

1994 Jetta - AHU M-TDI - Jezebel Jetta
2004 Jetta Wagon - 1.8T - Blitzen

 

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