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Another question (steering this time)

1290 Views 1 Reply 2 Participants Last post by  wrenchmonster
I have another question about a problem that the dealreship claims doesn't exist.
About a month ago I was out in the desert on a gravel trail. As I was making a three (or 4 or 5) point turn The front wheels got bogged down in gravel. The steering made a growling noise, then felt extremely loose. The steering remained loose for a while, clearing up after I returned to pavement.
Since then, the steering will growl while making tight turns, such as U-turns or in parking lots. Occasionaly it will go loose for a short period of time, then tighten back up.
The two times I've had it in to the dealership they have claimed that they have inspected the entire steering system and cannot find a problem. They say that the growling noise is a typical Rodeo noise.
Is this something that is a problem, or is it normal? Is my front end going to implode the next time I go off-road :shock: ?

TIA,
Shannon
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Hello. Describing noises are always difficult. In any case, I would take a close look at the steering pump. In a "lock to lock" situation like you describe your engine (most manufacturers) should rev up slightly to compensate for the extra strain on your power steering pump. If this does not happen, have your mechanic check this. However, what's puzzling is that in your situation the steering shouldn't feel loose, but just the opposite. Are you loosing any fluid? Did someone perhaps refill the fluid with the incorrect type of fluid? Some steering racks are very sensative to the types of fluids take and putting the wrong fluid in can actually damage the system.

If you have an IFS vehicle I would also check into the condition of your half-shafts. A bad CV joint can cause a growl or click in sharp turns. Generally they don't go bad as long as they have lubrication, but I've seen them go bad and still have a good boot. Still, this CV joint problem should not create the steering problem you describe. Hope this helps.

-Kevin
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