Little help from the steering gurus on here. My steering has become sticky when turning in both directions at all speeds. I turn the wheel one way and it stays there. The recent mods I have done is a new synergy drag link run in the stock location and a new fox ats steering stabilizer set to setting 8. I had the drag link installed before the stabilizer for over a month and the steering was sticking at full lock but not as bad as when i put the stabilizer on. When i installed the stabilzer i had my girlfriend hold the steering at full lock for over 2 minutes while i adjusted the stabilizer and started to smell something burning (power steering pump, steering box....?). My power steering fluid is a little low as well. There are no noises or whining coming from the steering. Any help appreciated

 

Well don't leave it low. If you have low fluid for too long you'll starve the system and will hear chattering and probably ruin the pump.

 

its atf+4 right? the same fluid we use in our transfer case?

 

Just double checked my power steering fluid it is not low it is at the minimum mark. I guess it was the angle I looked at it before. I also cant find any leaks and there is no noises when I steer. Not sure how to check if my pump is bad. Maybe jack my front off the ground and see if I can move the tires by hand? I would like to avoid going to the stealership if possible

 

The wheels shouldn't be held at full lock. The noise/smell when you did it for 2 minutes is a bad thing. If you need to adjust something at full lock, it needs to be done with the engine off. The noise you hear at full lock is the pressure relief valve, so the system is basically applying full assist against a fixed object. That generates a lot of heat and lots of wear. "Sticky" steering is usually indicative of a fluid or pump issue. Add fluid (fluid spec in your manual) and try again. It's possible you could have burned up the pump.

It also might be possible that the low fluid level allowed air into the system via boiling the fluid. I haven't ever done it, but I hear power steering systems can be bled. Maybe read up on that and try it for a simple fix.

 

a toasted pump was my first guess since I smelt that burning. my fluid isn't low I was mistaken so not sure what adding more fluid will do. I guess I can try bleeding the system but not sure how to do that assuming the pump is whats causing it.

 

i tried bleeding the system didnt work. the steering wheel is still not returing to center. can it be the combination of a weak steering pump, fox ats steering stabilizer and new draglink? with no stabilizer it only sticks at full lock and slightly otherwise. it is not difficuly to turn and there are no noises or leaks. thanks

 

The power steering pump has weak, plastic blades. When you held the steering at full lock and smelled that burning, it likely overheated and bent those blades. I'd change it. Pretty sure there is a caution in the owners manual to not hold steering at lock because it will damage system. If not, there should be.

 

damn i feel stupid i hate going to the dealer but im sure as hell not springing for a new pump when i dont have to