2002 Kia Sedona Steering issues

DN4192

MEMBER
2002 KIA SEDONA
3.1L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
167,000 MILES

Recently I had a alignment done and two new tires put on. I am now noticing that my steering seems sluggish at times. I can sometimes turn the wheel without problems other times it is like steering with no power steering. My fluid is full and not losing any, but is probably the original fluid (2002/166,000 miles) I was wondering if worn fluid could be the problem and if getting new fluid might help. I have also seen there are cleaning agents out there you can put in that will help "clean" out the old gunk and wondered if that is a good idea?

6 Replies

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

You can do a flush however I think it could be that it has speed sensitive steering. Meaning that the power steering pump is shut off sort to speak and when you turn the wheel a sensor either sees the movement or a sensor sees the pressure this turns the pump back on. How comfortable are you with checking a couple of things? Let me know and we can go from there.

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Thursday, March 13th, 2014 AT 7:02 AM

DN4192

MEMBER
86 POSTS

Sorta, not real handy but willing to give it a try, what are you wanting me to look at or try?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Thursday, March 13th, 2014 AT 7:10 AM

DN4192

MEMBER
86 POSTS

Oh and there is no noise or squeeling sound like I have heard others speak about with steering issues. A friend suggested I try something call Sea Foam trans fluid which is a cleaner. You take out part of your flouid and pour some in, then let the car run for about 30 minutes and every 2-4 minutes slowly rotate your wheel all the way left then all the way right.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Thursday, March 13th, 2014 AT 7:13 AM

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

I would like to know if you have a digital multi meter and if you would feel comfortable enough to find the steering sensor to ohm it? Let me know and I will tell you where it is located ok. If you don't feel comfortable enough to do this then I would have it checked with what you describe it just sounds like its a possibility. I also would like to know what tires you had before and what you have now?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Friday, March 14th, 2014 AT 7:43 AM

DN4192

MEMBER
86 POSTS

Figured out what was wrong. Saw a video on YouTube explained that in the winter with salt and such it builds up on the linkage right next to the firewall. It suggested spaying it with WD 40 and slowly rotating the wheel all the way left then right. I did and it worked. Steering back to smooth steering. Video said Kia aware of problem but doesnt tell consumers.