So I have had my new engine for three days now.

I have been noticing a weird issue with the steering while cornering. Every so often it felt like it was sticking. It was very slight and very short.

Tonight, while in a larger corner the steering completly locked up. I was going maybe 25mph. It happened about 80% of the way through the turn. The wheel just wouldn't move. Since the car still had some momentum, the car continued to turn to the right. I had to break the steering wheel free. I applied alot of pressure to the left and I felt it snap. I also herd a thud. After that, the steering was back to normal.

I looked under the car, nothing was blocking the wheels, nothing was blocking the steering rod. So I drove around some more, and I haven't noticed any problems. I have also been driving slowly to avoid any mishaps.

I really don't think it is related to the Power Steering. The wheel was either in a state of locked, or operating normally. The direction of the tires always was what the steering wheel reflected. I did not experience what others have reported as "Steering wheel moves freely and wheels don't turn."
When the steering wheel was locked, the tires were pointing in the correct position.

The power steering light never came on. No check engine light either.

What the hell could have caused this?

 

some noted problems with the wiring harness to the steering....

which is located right below the motor.... could have be hit or moved during the motor change..


beers

 

Sounds to me like you have a problem with the steering wheel lock (a small pin that locks the steeringwheel from turning when the keys are not in the ignition, try turning the wheel while the key is out, or in the lock position, and it wil lock in place after about 1/4 of a turn)

You need to go check it out, because it WILL cause an accident if it locks completely while you are driving at speed.

BTW that lock is required to be disabled on cars that are going to be used as road course racing cars as part of the preparation of the car (rollcage, fire suppression system, etc...)

 

I really didn't think this could have been related to the steering wheel lock when the key not in the ignition. I thought that there were be double or triple saftey faults so that the lock will not engage while you are driving.

But just to be sure, I went out there and tried to move the steering wheel with the keys in my hand, not in the ignition. It took a bit of muscle because there was no power steering, but the wheels move freely.

Wow, I am so blown away that the lock is able to engage while driving. That is VERY scary. I am going to ask the dealer to inspect the steering rod and all to make sure those parts and any parts around it are still ok. I am also going to ask that the pin for the lock is not replaced. I do not want anything like this to happen again.