hurschel Posted January 30, 2012 Share Posted January 30, 2012 I have a '97 LS400 that I haven't driven in a couple of months, unhooked the battery tender and backed the car out of the garage, steering was harder than normal, but still had some assist. I drove about 50 miles and the steering was heavy, the same whether stopped or moving. Where do I need to start, I know that it should turn easier when stopped or slow, but is the same and heavier than I remember when moving at normal speed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TGS1969 Posted January 30, 2012 Share Posted January 30, 2012 Belt slipping, low fluid, pressure or fluid loss, blockage due to coagulated fluid in the feed lines. Flush the P/S tank and system is a cheap alternative. If still heavy steering, possible pump failure, if is heavy but then releases and is easy to turn and then becomes difficult again, possible rack/pinion unit failure. Or you've been driving a Honda and are used to that system, lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landar Posted January 30, 2012 Share Posted January 30, 2012 Filter partially clogged? Unless you live in Minnesota and this was a -50 F day...that could explain it. ^_^ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hurschel Posted January 31, 2012 Author Share Posted January 31, 2012 Belt not slipping, fluid level is good and looks clean, will check the filter, didn't think about that. Don't drive a Honda anymore, but have had a Prius for the last couple of months so maybe that explains it, just got soft I guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaswood Posted February 2, 2012 Share Posted February 2, 2012 Stearing shock absorber/stabilizer.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hurschel Posted February 2, 2012 Author Share Posted February 2, 2012 Thanks, I'll check that too, might be the weekend before I can get to it, but will report what I find. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hurschel Posted February 4, 2012 Author Share Posted February 4, 2012 Well, now I know to PAY ATTENTION, I had started the car when I checked the fluid level the first time and thought it was ok. I wiped the stick and checked again, barely touching on the stick. I topped up the fluid and since it had been setting for a couple of months, I checked the tires and all four was low so aired them up and went for a drive. Glad to report that all is back to normal so I need to look for a leak now. Thanks for the suggestions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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