1999 Q45 - Shaking when steering wheel is turned hard to left or right

[passion4audio]

Hi,

My wife called on the way home from work. She said there was something wrong with the steering in her Q45. She felt shaking and heard a squealing/humming sound.

When she got home I checked the power steering fluid, and it was a little low (not much). I topped it off and started the engine. I noticed a squealing sound coming from the engine compartment, but it went away after a second or two. I turned off the car and re-started. Again, the squealing sound was there, but went away. I took the car for a drive and didn't notice anything unusual - until I made a BIG turn (turning the wheel all the way to the right) - then I felt the shaking. I took the car to the end of a street where I could make a tight circle (round and round) and I felt shaking through the steering wheel.

Could anyone please enlighten me as to what the problem could be?

Thanks!

[elwesso]

welcome to NICO. Sounds like it might be a bad tie rod or something on that...

[maxnix]

Welcome to our club.

You did not mention the appearance or condition of the fluid. Ever been replaced?

Neither did you mention the maintenance history for the front suspension. How are the tension rod bushings? How old are the shocks?

I think you need to plan on replacing the front accessory drive belts and pulleys. All the belts at once to avoid repeat labor, have all pulleys on hand because you don't which are bad until you inspect them with the belts disengaged.

http://www.infinitipartsusa.com is your friend.
Modified by maxnix at 10:09 AM 11/30/2006

[Q45tech]

Loose/worn power steering belt, or about to fail power steering belt idler pulley bearing? Things to look at after you check fluids.

[ScottJackson]

yup, I'm with Q45tech on this one. Sounds like the belt needs tightened or replaced depending on condition. When you crank the wheel hard it puts more tension on the belt and as it grabs,slips,grabs... is the jerking feel in the steering wheel. The cold belt is also making the noise as it slips when the motor first starts.

[passion4audio]

Jerry diagnosed the problem down to a loose power steering pump belt. He tightened the belt and checked all belts and hoses.

Total charge: $29.54

Definitely worth the drive down there from Yorba Linda!

Thanks again!