Hey guys, ive recently been trying to diagnose a steering problem.

Recently I flushed the power steering fluid, that made things a little better. its not leaking.
-new alignment.

the symptoms:

-at highway speed sometimes car drifts a little, sometimes the steering feels tight(like it should), sometimes loose not good.
-increased bump steer at times, feels as though wheels are acting indepently of steering wheel.
-a slight knock coming up through the steering colum at times when bump steer occurs
-there is a dull spot on the steering wheel about an inch of free play.

I was just wondering if there are any parts i should be looking at for wear or anyone had any similar problems, maybe the speed sensor that controls the power steering at hiway speed or maybe the pump? any input guys...thanks

 

anyvody?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by starchland &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">-at highway speed sometimes car drifts a little, sometimes the steering feels tight(like it should), sometimes loose not good.
-increased bump steer at times, feels as though wheels are acting indepently of steering wheel.
-a slight knock coming up through the steering colum at times when bump steer occurs
-there is a dull spot on the steering wheel about an inch of free play.</TD></TR></TABLE>The first thing I would check for are loose ball joints. Then loose tie rods.

Lift a front wheel. Grab the tire at the sides, try to 'steer' it. If there's any knocking or looseness check the tie rod.

Then do the same thing but up & down. Loose? Ball joints or maybe even suspension bushings.

 

I will give it a shot and report back. thanks