Greater Steering Resistance?

[Sidamo]

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?

[Dakotakid]

This reminds me....I have been meaning to as if we could start a "best of GTD" thread...

[Sidamo]

Awesome. Super helpful.

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

[vanbcguy]

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.

[Sidamo]

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.

[srgtlord]

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

[ORCoaster]

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. 

[vanbcguy]

Hydraulic oil was the old Hagar recommendation... Just a capful mind you...

[ORCoaster]

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. 

[vanbcguy]

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.

[ORCoaster]

I hear PAM cooking spray is as good as WD-40.  Maybe a shot of that?  And some Chicken?

[vanbcguy]

Now we all know solvents don't make good lubricants! But if the chicken is fried I'm totally in.