98 outback steering dragging

[WoodsWagon]

2.5l Auto legacy outback. The steering has started binding a bit, as in the wheel's don't return to center as easily as they should, and it's harder to turn the car. If you put it at full lock, it will stay there and you can idle round in circles without touching the wheel.

 

It seemed to have very little assist monday, but then seemed back to semi-normal after driving it a bit, so I put a used power steering pump on it tonight. It's still only semi-normal. But at least it isn't leaking ATF on the engine anymore.

 

The alignment is fine, I did it myself, and all the numbers checked out (caster is what returns the wheel to center)

 

I don't think it's the U-joints on the steering column because it binds smoothly, not bind and release, bind and release like a bad u joint does.

 

So my only other options are a bound strut cap, steering column, or rack.

 

I plan on taking it down to school 2 mondays from now, unthreading the tie rods and the U-joint and moving each componant independently. I hope it isn't the steering column or the strut caps, the rack is easy to replace, and it almost seems like a sticky spool valve?

[dmanaenk]

If strut topmounts are original and milage is high - I'd say they are a lot more likely than rack/column.

[WoodsWagon]

I would think, but the steering returns better when it's not at full lock. It's not full "memory steer" like a seized strut cap. It's a hard feeling to describe. There's a lag between when you let go of the steering wheel and when it starts to straighten itself under normal turns.

[nipper]

Put the FWD fuese in the fuse holder and see if the problem goes away.

Failing racks usualy show uup as being stiff in the morning, then as the fluid warms up, the problem goes away.

 

Do all your tires match and are properly inflated?

 

ALso inspect your CV joints

 

nipper

[WoodsWagon]

Yeah, the old "morning sickness" of a failing rack. That's what I thought of when the no-power steering symptom went away mostly after I drove it a bit. It's only happened twice now though. First when it was 2 miles into a drive, the second time right off the start, then going away within a mile.

The steering has felt a bit heavy since we got the car.

 

It's not torque bind or a failed CV because it's an even sticking. No grabbing, bound spots, or jerking, just even stiffness.

[nipper]

Yeah, the old "morning sickness" of a failing rack. That's what I thought of when the no-power steering symptom went away mostly after I drove it a bit. It's only happened twice now though. First when it was 2 miles into a drive, the second time right off the start, then going away within a mile.

The steering has felt a bit heavy since we got the car.

 

It's not torque bind or a failed CV because it's an even sticking. No grabbing, bound spots, or jerking, just even stiffness.

 

*whew* compared to TB, morning sickness is an easy fix, its just a rack replacement.

 

nipper

[raybo]

I had similar problem, steering felt uniformly still. Turned out to be the universal joint i the steering linkage. The mechanic cleaned and oiled it and it is perfect. He did suggest replacing it in the not to distant future.

[WoodsWagon]

Hmmm. I would have thought that would be a more bind and release style drag, but if it seemed steady on yours...

 

I should pull it off and see what it feels like.

[WoodsWagon]

I had similar problem, steering felt uniformly still. Turned out to be the universal joint i the steering linkage. The mechanic cleaned and oiled it and it is perfect. He did suggest replacing it in the not to distant future.

 

Ding! Ding! You are a winner!

 

The steering column to rack coupler was siezed something fierce. Only one of the directions of movement of one of the two U-joints still works at all. The other 3 directions are siezed so that it take serious effort to move them at all.