I have an odd steering problem. Mine has uneven resistance over the range of motion. So it feels 'sticky' or unassisted sometimes as I turn. The power steering is positively working, and to be honest when I'm on the track I don't notice it at all. But driving around town, if I get lazy enough to just let go of the wheel around a 90-degree corner and let it center itself, sometimes it actually doesn't.

It's very odd. No warning lights. The connectors under the airbox are clean.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

normal issues are from the harness. there are some cases of a bad rack tho

 

I had same problem years ago. You need to unplug harness and spray contact cleaners:

I used DeoxIT red and green. Brush out the connectors, plug it in and out a few times spray some more. Dirtiest connectors for me were the ones on the actual electrical power steering motor. I have not had the same issue since I cleaned the contacts.

 

I appreciate the reply. I have the same product on order and the connectors exposed, waiting for it to arrive.

None of the connectors look like they should be causing any issue. As you said, the one on the power steering motor is the dirtiest, but only on the outside. The inside is still shiny with dielectric grease, I expect from either the factory or one of the engine replacements.

Whether this fixes it or not, I'll post again with my results.

 

I used the red can on all the connectors and reassembled. I think it's better, but I'm not sure. It's definitely not fixed. I'll probably try again.

What I don't understand is what the red and the green cans are for. Is the red one to clean and the green one to 'protect'?

 

Check the lower steering rack U joint. I've read that it can make the steering behave like you explained.

 

Brilliant advice! It should have occurred to me before.

I sprayed the joint with WD40 and the steering was immediately smooth. That scares me, so I ordered a new u-joint from the dealer immediately.

Thanks!

 

Anytime man. Yep if it gets smooth after spraying it with WD40, that means it's bad. You did the right thing by ordering a new one.