Steering fault 2000 Forte HDI

billlew · Unread post by **billlew** » 21 Feb 2011, 17:45

When I turn the steering wheel, it frequently feels heavy as if there is not enough pressure working it. This happens for a fraction of a turn, then becomes free/normal. It feels, to a lesser extent, as if you're trying to turn the wheel with the engine off.
Any ideas, my garage feels it could need a new rack? but are not positive that it would cure it.

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 21 Feb 2011, 17:48

No, it's not the rack Bill, more than likely a bit of corrosion and stiffness in the universal joint between the pinion valve and the steering column. it's exposed and gets a bit wet and cruddy.

Give it a good clean and lube and likely all will be happy...

Xantidote · Unread post by **Xantidote** » 21 Feb 2011, 17:55

If you're feeling very lazy, just try spraying it with aerosol grease and see if that improves things. Not as thorough as Jim's method though

imperial21 · Unread post by **imperial21** » 27 Feb 2011, 14:26

My xantia has the same problem, whats the best way at getting at the joint ?

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 27 Feb 2011, 16:07

Slip off the OS front wheel and peer up above the rack, the joint will be seen between the rack and the bulkhead where the steering column passes into the passenger compartment.

Unread post by **citroenxm** » 27 Feb 2011, 21:33

You dont EVEN need to remove the front wheel!!!

Put the car on high LEAVE the engine running, then put the steering on full LEFT LOCK and look along the track rod, and you can see the lower UJ joint!!

These are VERY common for siezing up in on direction..

PLEANTY PLEANTY of freeing agent, WD, Plus gas etc etc and then do a turn lock to lock a few times - a good few times, you may want to jack up the front to take the weight off the front wheels to help reduce tyre wear when turning lock to lock...

Paul

imperial21 · Unread post by **imperial21** » 28 Feb 2011, 18:39

Thanks Paul & Jim, I have just gone outside in the dark and done as paul sugested ! The steering was nt returning after going round corners and felt sticky, I will have a proper go at it a weekend, i have sprayed loads of wd40 over it and the covered it in motor cycle chain grease for now. I think that will be a service item for me now on ! Its very rusty ! ! looks nasty to change!

Unread post by **citroenxm** » 28 Feb 2011, 20:58

Beleve it or NOT its fairly EASY to change!! You can EVEN leave the Rack in place !!!

The colum in the car needs to come off, then you undo the pich nut - with a 6mm Alen Key on an extension - The hlafords type that goes on the 1/4in ratchet...

then you can pop it off the pinion and slide it out back towards the rack and out... all from in the wheel arch...

Paul