Weird Power Steering

[Dave1081]

Bought a well preserved 1992 LeSabre Custom (116K) last week and am noticing a problem with steering. When turning hard right at very low speed (parking etc) I feel a thump in the right front wheel and briefly hear a hum (1/2 second or less). Sounds like power steering hum. Has happened a few times.

Today, it happened turning out of a parking lot and steering wheel became "off". Had to keep wheel turned more than slightly to left in order to keep car driving straight - even in an absolutely flat parking lot. After another thump and hum while parking, the steering wheel straightened out and for now it's fine again. Any idea what's going on?? Doesn't seem to be any play in the steering. Is it tie rods? power steering mechanism? are my wheels going to fall off? Help!

[GringoPete]

Originally Posted by Dave1081

Bought a well preserved 1992 LeSabre Custom (116K) last week and am noticing a problem with steering. When turning hard right at very low speed (parking etc) I feel a thump in the right front wheel and briefly hear a hum (1/2 second or less). Sounds like power steering hum. Has happened a few times.

Today, it happened turning out of a parking lot and steering wheel became "off". Had to keep wheel turned more than slightly to left in order to keep car driving straight - even in an absolutely flat parking lot. After another thump and hum while parking, the steering wheel straightened out and for now it's fine again. Any idea what's going on?? Doesn't seem to be any play in the steering. Is it tie rods? power steering mechanism? are my wheels going to fall off? Help!

Sounds like you've got yourself a broken tie rod . You better get that fixed my friend. It's not an expensive fix . If you dont fix it you may find yourself in a serious accident.

[Dave1081]

Thanks for the input - I figured it was a tie rod end too. My favored mechanic drove & inspected and told me it's the right front strut mount. Since he'll have to take it all apart anyway, he offered to replace the entire strut, mount, & spring assembly for $300 a side. A buddy who writes service orders for a local Ford dealer (and knows my mechanic) agrees with the diagnosis and feels the price is reasonable. I'll take it in in two weeks - he said it's ok to drive temporarily.

[GringoPete]

Originally Posted by Dave1081

Thanks for the input - I figured it was a tie rod end too. My favored mechanic drove & inspected and told me it's the right front strut mount. Since he'll have to take it all apart anyway, he offered to replace the entire strut, mount, & spring assembly for $300 a side. A buddy who writes service orders for a local Ford dealer (and knows my mechanic) agrees with the diagnosis and feels the price is reasonable. I'll take it in in two weeks - he said it's ok to drive temporarily.

I dont know if you still have your car in the shop yet or not. If you do you may want to ask them to inspect your linkage just to make sure everything is kosher.

Good luck