steering fault

[drew300]

My '99 SW1 has developed a steering problem. There is a hard spot just each side of center. It's at a stage where i don't feel it all the time, but it is there. I've changed the power steering fluid twice, and it's clear, I've lubed the universal joints in the steering column. When jacked up or on the ground I can't feel any looseness in any front end part. I'm guessing it's the rack, but other suggestions would be welcome.

[jamesslcx]

Drew, it's possible it could be the rack and pinion. Any noise or other symptoms?

[drew300]

I may have found something. I sprayed all the U-joints in the steering column with penetrating oil. after about a week the steering seems better, but i'm paying attention for a while yet. I have yet to spray a better oil or grease on them.

[jamesslcx]

Drew you may have found your problem. Let us know how it works out.

[drew300]

I'm sure it was the u-joints in the steering column. The fault went away several days after i oiled them. I have since sprayed some grease on them. I don't know which one it was, as I sprayed them all while I was there. I'm happy it was a cheap fix.

[jamesslcx]

Thanks for the tip, good to know there is a cheap fix.