All new steering parts, steering stiff

[99windstar]

99 W'star LX, 3.8L, 75K miles.
Quick summary: After all new parts, there is high steering resistance.

The history:
A reputable independant shop just replaced the power steering pump and the rack & pinion (it was making lots of noise, and no power assist). The rack immediately failed again, and they replaced it under warranty, and also replaced the serpentine belt.

The current situation:
The power assist works now, but steering is much stiffer, as if there's not as much assist, and as if there's a lot of 'stiction' in the steering. I can really feel the difference. It is still under warranty from the shop, but they're saying it's fine. Both my wife & I can tell that it takes more effort to turn the wheel than when it worked right. We can live with it, but don't want it to fail again.

Can you suggest something for the shop to check? Otherwise, they're just going to shove me off.

Thanks, useful forum, for any suggestions.

[wiswind]

Pressure regulator?
I think this is what the pressure line screws into on the pump assembly....but verify that.
Perhaps the pressure is not correct?.....
Also, any kinks in the line(s).....that would restrict the flow....including the cooler.

This is assuming that they verified that the tie rod ends, lower ball joints....etc are fine.

[99windstar]

Originally Posted by wiswind

Pressure regulator?
I think this is what the pressure line screws into on the pump assembly....but verify that.
Perhaps the pressure is not correct?.....
Also, any kinks in the line(s).....that would restrict the flow....including the cooler.

This is assuming that they verified that the tie rod ends, lower ball joints....etc are fine.

It steered fine with the 1st (replacement) rack & pinion, it was only after they put the second one in, 2 weeks later, that the steering stiffened up, so the other steering parts aren't the problem.

The shop did ask to put in a new belt when the 2nd replacement rack went in, they said the original one was really whining. Of course, it hadn't made a sound before they got their hands on it, and they gave me the old belt, which showed zero wear. I think the tech might just have done a bad job.

One thought: is there an adjustment on the steering box? It feels like my old air-cooled VWs felt when I would tighten the steering box play too much.

[wiswind]

They most likely got some power steering fluid on the belt or pulleys. The idler pulley and the water pump use the smooth side of the belt.....and I think I did the same thing but did not notice it when I changed my power steering pump for noise. I sprayed a small amount of belt dressing on the belt to quiet it down again. I am not aware of any adjustments though.