Xantia stiff steering

[RobertZ]

Hi folks,

Resurfacing after a very long absence, during which time I have been able to solve problems on my dear 1997 Xantia with regional garages. Now covered 360,000km/223,000mi.

However parts and know-how are increasingly difficult to come by as a result of retirements and/or a major flood that wiped out my garage in Lismore, northern New South Wales.

Now relying on a competent Xantia mechanic who is a 6 1/2 hour round trip (if lucky) away, involving an overnight stay.
He is unfortunately not knowledgeable with steering (rack) problems, so it is important to get the diagnostics absolutely right before attempting this journey and repair.

The steering issue started two months ago, first thing one morning, and one week after a breakdown that forced me to drive for about 15min without power assistance.
Two weeks prior to that, the hydraulic fluid had been replaced, filters thoroughly cleaned, and stale fluid flushed out from power steering ram etc.
About one month after start of steering issue, the hydraulic filters were checked again and found to be clean.

The steering stiffness varies in intensity in the course of a drive and even over a single full turn and has not once returned to normal power assistance over past two months.
Two days ago the stiffness increased substantially after driving slowly across a rough grassy verge.

Note that all steering and suspension components are original, except for sway bar link rods and that R.H. tie-rod end is up for replacement as rattling intermittently.

Your feedback would be much valued.

Many thanks,

Robert

[xantia_v6]

In the UK it is very common for the U/J on the steering column on the rack side of the bulkhead to seize, causing intermittently stiff steering. A squirt of penetrating lubricant followed by some heavier oil seems to fix them.

Also check that you don't have a slipping auxillary belt or failing crank damper pulley.

[RobertZ]

Thank you very much for your advice - it saved me a lot of time and a long drive.
A local mechanic yesterday applied German-made SONAX MoS2Oil to several OJs on the steering assembly, considerably reducing the stiffness.
Will follow up with heavier oil if required.

The R.H. tie-rod (track rod) periodic rattle/clatter was not caused by a worn ball joint, but by a loose track rod locknut.
I recently travelled on country roads, touching 80mph on occasion, and wonder how close I got to wiping myself out.

[CitroJim]

Giood news lubrication of the UJs has done the trick

The R.H. tie-rod (track rod) periodic rattle/clatter was not caused by a worn ball joint, but by a loose track rod locknut.
I recently travelled on country roads, touching 80mph on occasion, and wonder how close I got to wiping myself out.

Gosh, you must have a top-quality guardian angel! Good job that nut stayed put... The Nyloc insert and even the tiniest bit of corrosion on the bottom of the thread results in the nut being very tight at the bottom of the thread and making it difficult to remove. That's mostly what saved you and thank goodness it did