Steering Problem

[bangers]

Good evening all.

I seem to have developed a problem with the steering on my 1996 4.0 Chimera.

Its a bit difficult to put my finger on it but here goes: When manuvering at very low parking speeds, somtimes it feel like the power steering is working and then seconds later it seems that it has stoped helping me out.

When chuffing along at higher speeds it is almost as if there is a slight restriction to steering that requires a little more effort to get past, then once past that point it frees up, not very nice as I put in a little extra effort and then the resistance dissapears with predictable problems! This slight resistance starts around and about two inches of movment of the wheel in either direction. When on the motorway earlier today, I found that I could turn the car to go around the very long and gentle sweeps, but anything worse than that I had to get over the restriction.

Can anyone help please? Is it the pump on the way out? I have checked the fluid and it is nicly topped up so there has been no leaking.

Thanks very much for your time and thoughts.

James.



>>> Edited by bangers on Saturday 15th March 22:06

[bangers]

Thanks for your replies guys. Is it possible for me to apply the squirt of oil just by lifting the bonnet or is it more difficult than that - I haven't had the car all that long and I'm not a great mechanic!!

[bangers]

Thanks again to all of you; I found the UJ in the wheel arch and cleaned it off then gave it a good old squirt of WD40 - have been out in it all day and it has been perfect! I suppose I had better put some grease on it now or should I just leave it as it is?

It seemed in very good condition, just cacked up!

Thanks again

[bangers]

As always, this site has been invaluable, especially so for a mechanical nonstarter like me! I'm on my way to buy some greese and then spend the rest of the day looking at houses in the country - a great excuse for a day out with the roof down!

Cheers & thanks again

James.