There are times where I am trying to turn the wheel while I am driving, and the car does not respond, as if it stiffens up (scary sometimes because I fear I will hit someone or something). And it seems like it only happens when I make a sudden turn, like trying to avoid a pothole, or driving between cars. I don't want to assume what the issue can be, so does anyone have an idea on what it can be, and how much it would cost to repair the problem?

 

Have you checked your power steering fluid level?

 

ok. Check your PS fluid level, replace the fluid but first clean the screen in the reservoir, you could have a clogged screen that cause your pump to be starved for fluid and that could kill the pump and your steering ability. Most importantly, check all of the ball joints. Stiffness could be frozen ball joints also. Check for blown front shock. Tire pressure check. Check the belt condition and tightness.

 

I'm pretty sure it's not the power steering fluid; the reservoir is pretty full and the wheels still turn with ease when the car is not moving. It's just that the wheels occasionally resist turning at times while I am driving. I will get those ball joints checked though. Thank you!

 

Okay, so I finally had a day off from work and had a chance to take the wheel off to inspect/look for the other suspension noises that my car has been making, and concluded that this is the problem.




The threads on the outer tie rod have completely rounded off, the ABS sensor was disconnected, the cotter pin was not put back on when it was installed, and there's only like three threads that are still on! It's a miracle of God that the tie rod hasn't broken off yet! I'm never going back to that mechanic I also found that the boot on the inner tie rod is cracked, so I will also be replacing that. There's also some oil on the boot of the CV joint, maybe someone can tell me what the problem is. There's another problem I have encountered after removing the other wheel, but I'll start another thread for that one. But felt like putting an end to this thread, just for those who might encounter themselves with the same or similar problem. I'll conclude with this: NEVER, and I mean NEVER buy suspension parts from eBay! I purchased the tie rod ends along with an entire suspension set from there for only $120. It seems like a good deal when you first see it, but guess what? All of those parts needed to be replaced after only some months later of being installed. I unfortunately learned this the hard way. Learn from my mistakes, save yourself some headaches, and buy high quality OEM parts! This is not a place where you want to go cheap on.