What could it be? Steering issues

[surfercalavera]

Hi, I have aan 04 that is doing something strangenow.

When I make a left U turn (slowly), the steering becomes loose at the leftmost turning point and feels like it locks and I have to quickly turn the steering wheel back to a straighten position (recenter)-- It is so much that it feels like the left wheel is just stuck! Although there is no struggle to recenter it--I know it is not normal, I know the steering system should want to go back to a straighten position (recenter) like my other cars.

This does not happen when making a right U turn though.


Thanks.

--jd

[howardc64]

To diagnose, maybe put the front end up on jack stands and turn end to end with and without power while searching for noises and leaks? Here is an interesting diagnostic flowchart

http://www.ifitjams.com/steering.htm

Probably good to check for steering components when tires are off the ground (3+9 oclock for tie rods, 12+6 oclock for balljoints)

BTW, Sears rotate tires on my 01 V70XC once and put one of front tires on crooked (lugnuts not all seated properly) Forgot how I noticed it but glad I did after 200 miles highway drive. Yikes.

How is the PS fluid level in the reservoir?

[billr99]

Have your alignment checked. Very possible your toe setting is out of spec.

Good Luck,

Bill

[surfercalavera]

Ball joints, inner and outer tie rods, were replaced in the last year. At the time this issue was subtle, but it has gotten really bad now.

I have taken it to the shop to no avail.

[howardc64]

Ball joints, inner and outer tie rods, were replaced in the last year. At the time this issue was subtle, but it has gotten really bad now.

I have taken it to the shop to no avail.

Here is a test that should provide some isolation

- Jack up front, see if the problem still occur
- Disconnect the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle (1 bolt on each side, easy). If the problem still occur, then has to be the steering rack