Rough steering

2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
170,000 MILES • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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WILLIE26
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
Hello, my car has recently had a CV axle change, tie rod change, and now my steering wheel is tight or rough at initial start up or while sitting In place. Wondering what could cause this! I am thinking rack and pinion but unsure. I have checked the obvious power steering fluid, serpentine belts okay, power steering pump seems to function properly well to my knowledge lol. How do I diagnosis, or fix issue.
Apr 10, 2018 at 2:05 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
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Good afternoon.

The first thing I would do is to flush the power steering system. there may be debris in the system. that needs to be checked first. check and see if the fluid is moving in the pump.

Does the pump make any noise when turning??

Roy
Apr 10, 2018 at 2:45 PM
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WILLIE26
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Hello Roy, I will actually have to go out and check tomorrow. I was not notified so thanks for replying. Will post update tomorrow once I check pump fluid flow .
Apr 10, 2018 at 8:25 PM
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CARADIODOC
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
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Also, consider that since the suspension was hanging down while the car was jacked up, debris could have fallen into an upper strut mount. If dirt gets into the bearing, it will cause hard steering, a popping noise while turning the steering wheel, and/or rough turning. All the symptoms you described will be almost unnoticeable when the car is moving when they are caused by an upper mount that is binding.
Apr 10, 2018 at 8:34 PM