Controlling my car's steering?

Question

I have been having a problem as far as controlling my car's steering. The steering feels really loose and like I don't have the control I once had, especially on roads that don't have a perfectly flat surface. It used to be nice and tight. I doubt it's the alignment because it doesn't pull to either side. Any suggestions on a diagnosis?

A little background:
My car is a 2005 Scion TC with approximately 40k miles on it and no extensive reapirs have ever been done to it aside from general maintenance. It needs new front and back brake pads and new fron ttires, both of which I am getting this weekend.

Answer 1

Hello, The suspension and steering require a full check up ,better have it done asap.
Good luck

Answer 2

The first thing I'd do is have a powersteering flush. There are a few unfortunate engineering problems on newer cars.

1. The powersteering rack is often behind and under the engine. All of the heat from the engine via the exhaust manifolds and radiator escapes under the car and passes the powersteering rack heating it up to less than desirable temperatures.

2. That being said, they didn't engineer or add a better powersteering fluid that will operate under these more extreme conditions. The synthetics are the best for this application.

My Cadillac has a powersteering fluid cooler but most cars do not have this option. I have replaced the rack once in 131,000 miles and it needs it again now at 164K since the technicians that serviced it last did not use a synthetic fluid but some El Cheapo 99 cents a bottle junk and the seals inside the rack deteriorated creating this new premature leak. With a V-8 blasting heat on the PS rack this is just a bad design and excessive heat problem.

You will not necessarily need anything more than a flush and fill on your PS. What happens is the metal residues suspended in the fluid will settle in the PS pump and when the little "Fins" (looks like a riverboat paddle wheel) encounter this residue it will slide over the top and you'll lose some hydraulic pressure. In one instance this will make it hard to steer in another it will make the steering feel very loose.

While they are at it, have them examine the ball-joints and tie-rods and look for any leaks.

The newer Valvoline powersteering fluid synthetic blend is a good investment at $4.50 a quart over that El Cheapo stuff that can't handle the heat and wil break down fast and not protect the seals in the rack.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Just to keep things simple, tires and brakes will fix part of the problem. Check the short shafts (Front Axle), struct mounts, "A Frame" bushings, Front bearings. After any or all of this it then will need an alignment.

Answer 4

it sounds like it may be a problem with the steering gearbox. if the gears get worn the steering will get sloppy. first though i would try checking the power steering fluid

Answer 5

you have answerd half of your own question regarding tires and breaks they alone will make steering sluggish
also can check steering column for and damage also rubber grommet at end of column into the drive shafts