S40 T5 Stiff Steering

[welshphil7805]

Hi all i have a strange fault on my car.
The steering has a hard spot just left and right of centre when cold.
This eases up when driven for a few miles.
I am led to believe that this model has hydro/electric power steering and is speed sensitive.
The symptoms are only present when moving and stationary the steering is as it should be.
i have looked on various sites and some mentioned the lower steering u/j being partially seized but if that is the case then it should be sticking at any speed.
I am thinking it could be either the rack or the pump.
i intend to do a fluid flush first then see what happens.
Has anyone had a similar fault?

[Welton]

It could be something mechanical like worn top mount bearings (I had to change mine) do you get groaning noises when working the steering left/right?

Also check the inner and outer tie rods (track rod ends) for signs of wear (will give a notchy feel to the steering).

To be fair the PAS electric pump gives no real issues to speak of on this forum.

[welshphil7805]

Yes thanks Welton.
I have recently changed both front shock absorbers' and the top mounts were fine. My issue is if there was something worn the steering stiffness would be there all the time and not when the engine or system is cold,which leads me back to a dodgy rack.

[cheshired5]

Start with the basics so fluid first (check the spec) then see where you're at.
No point worrying about other stuff until it's time to worry about other stuff.

[Bungo]

I seem to recall this being an issue for some on here. From memory I don't think it was a straight forward fix and was related to fluid/pump, but as suggested I think a fluid flush and replace is first option.

[welshphil7805]

Well i have drained and flushed the system.
Removed the reservoir cleaned all the crud on the inside. Refilled, driven and siphoned with fresh oil 3 times.
Still has a tight spot slightly left and right of centre. I think the next cheapest step will be the rack.
The consensus of opinion is the rack is most likely the culprit so i have been pricing them on various sites.
Hopefully this will sort out this annoying problem.

[Hammy713]

Originally Posted by welshphil7805

Hi all i have a strange fault on my car.
The steering has a hard spot just left and right of centre when cold.
This eases up when driven for a few miles.
I am led to believe that this model has hydro/electric power steering and is speed sensitive.
The symptoms are only present when moving and stationary the steering is as it should be.
i have looked on various sites and some mentioned the lower steering u/j being partially seized but if that is the case then it should be sticking at any speed.
I am thinking it could be either the rack or the pump.
i intend to do a fluid flush first then see what happens.
Has anyone had a similar fault?

This is an old post but not an outdated issue. Any fix by chance?

Thanks,
Craig

2007 S40 T5 AWD