96 Q45t stiff steering

[puttcrazy]

My Q will unexpectedly experience stiff steering at virtually any speed. You'll think you're driving an old truck when it happens, and all of a sudden the power kicks in...it's nerve wracking and can be dangerous if you're tugging on the wheel while in a curve and then almost oversteer when the power kicks in. Any ideas to give to my mechanic?

James in Arizona

[RustyBucket]

I'd say check the simple tings first:
Is your Power Steering fluid low? There is a dipstick built into the cap of the reservoir on the P/S pump. The P/S pump is found on the lefthand side of the car just behind the air box.
What is the condition of the belt that drives the P/S pump? How is the tension?

If those things are OK, then I'd recommend checking the lines and the steering rack for leaks. Hopefully it isn't something as bad a s a new power steering pump.

[puttcrazy]

Thanks for the quick reply. The fluid and belt look good. Would a leaking rack create that kind of issue?

[mrpeeb240]

yes,or atleast mine did

[Q451990]

Does anything else go wrong at the same time? It's not unusual to see this with a failing speed sensor that also causes the speedometer to die at the same time...

Heath