Hard and soft steering

Tiny
WESTERNREACH
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 56,000 MILES
Hi,

Get extremely hard steering, then soft, then somewhat hard, then really hard, then soft for a split second, then back to hard, etc. Etc. On my car.
Fluid is fine, no warning lights on dash, air suspension is intact and works perfectly. Steering linkage is fine and is not subject to the Ford recall. No leaks of power steering fluid. But must turn wheel with two hands when steering gets hard. Only when it is rainy/damp out does the problem go away completely.
Thank you
Wednesday, April 21st, 2021 AT 7:50 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

I would start by flushing the power steering fluid. Dirt and debris in the system can cause the system not to work properly.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-fluid-flush

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-problems

Also, check the drive belt as well. A loose or worn tensioner that keeps the belt tight may be causing the issue as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/serpentine-belt-tensioner-replacement

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-serpentine-belt
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Thursday, April 22nd, 2021 AT 2:20 AM
Tiny
WESTERNREACH
  • MEMBER
  • 22 POSTS
Before I flush the fluid, would unplugging the variable assist sensor help in diagnosing problem?

If so, where exactly is that sensor located?
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Thursday, April 22nd, 2021 AT 1:51 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
No, not at all.

If you have the sensor, it would be where the steering shaft from the car meets the steering gear. I attached the location of the sensor for you.

Roy
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Thursday, April 22nd, 2021 AT 2:01 PM
Tiny
WESTERNREACH
  • MEMBER
  • 22 POSTS
Thanks for the reply. I did not see the sensor, but squirted motor oil on the lower intermediate shaft, and steering was about 80% better but now is getting binding again, I believe that's the problem? Unfortunately Ford won't cover 2003 with its recall, only 2005 and up models. Is there such a thing as a silent recall that I can get them to change for free? If not is there a step by step procedure to remove this? Thank you
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Saturday, April 24th, 2021 AT 11:17 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, you need to go under the dash and release the bolt that secures the shaft to the column.

Then go to the rack where the shaft meets the rack and release the pinch bolt. Then the shaft will slide up and you can pull down and remove it.

Roy
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Sunday, April 25th, 2021 AT 2:59 AM

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