New steering issue (turning past center position).

[Meteorite]

This past summer, I replace the lower intermediate shaft of my Marauder's steering linkage, because one of the U-joints in it was entirely bound up, making the car really hard to steer.

After replacing the lower shaft, the steering was perfect for a few months, smooth and easy.

Now, for the past month or so (since it got really cold in Michigan), I have a new problem. Especially when I first drive the car after letting it sit, there is a "catch" in the steering when moving past the dead center position, either to the left or right.

This problem has been documented before on this site (for example this old thread (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=14421), from which I now quote):


I have a catch in the steering when i make a turn from a stop right or left, when i turn the the steering wheel it acts like it is locked and then it pops and turns. I do not notice it all the time, do have any suggestions.

Does anyone know the definitive solution to this? I have checked the bolts that hold the shaft to the upper shaft and to the rack, and they are still tight.

[FordNut]

I would suspect the steering rack.

[breeze]

i have that problem time to time too

[Meteorite]

i have that problem time to time too

Does it go away eventually?

Ever take it to a dealership for this issue?

[03blackmerc]

im feelin a slight bind in my steering right now. do you have the p/n for the lower intermediate shaft? i think that may be the problem, its seems to be only hard to steer in certain spots thow.

[Meteorite]

im feelin a slight bind in my steering right now. do you have the p/n for the lower intermediate shaft? i think that may be the problem, its seems to be only hard to steer in certain spots thow.

I'll try to get the part number (and post a picture) for you in a couple of days.

[03blackmerc]

funny thing yesterday after about a 45min drive the steering fixed itself for now. its been having that bind for about 2 months now then all of a sudden its factory again. ford magic or somethings about to break i dont kno???? i kno we have the speed sensitive steering in the MM i dont kno if that has anything to do with it? maybe a sensor? even when i let go of the wheel to let it come back to the straight position it wouldnt until i pulled it back straight. thats whats leading me to belive its a U joint issue in the linkage.

[Black_Kannin]

This past summer, I replace the lower intermediate shaft of my Marauder's steering linkage, because one of the U-joints in it was entirely bound up, making the car really hard to steer.

After replacing the lower shaft, the steering was perfect for a few months, smooth and easy.

Now, for the past month or so (since it got really cold in Michigan), I have a new problem. Especially when I first drive the car after letting it sit, there is a "catch" in the steering when moving past the dead center position, either to the left or right.

This problem has been documented before on this site (for example this old thread (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=14421), from which I now quote):



Does anyone know the definitive solution to this? I have checked the bolts that hold the shaft to the upper shaft and to the rack, and they are still tight.



^^Had that same problem when I had my Chrysler Sebring....It was a cold weather problem first off but after driving, it smoothed itself out. I just never took the time to find out the problem. I pondered a power steering flush and fill but I never acted.

[Meteorite]

im feelin a slight bind in my steering right now. do you have the p/n for the lower intermediate shaft? i think that may be the problem, its seems to be only hard to steer in certain spots thow.

I'll attach a photo of the part. Part No. is 5W1Z-3B676-AA.

In my case, this turned out not to be the issue. The shaft I installed in the summer is still perfectly good. I think it is something with the steering rack.


^^Had that same problem when I had my Chrysler Sebring....It was a cold weather problem first off but after driving, it smoothed itself out. I just never took the time to find out the problem. I pondered a power steering flush and fill but I never acted.

I may try that.

I also wonder if air bubbles in the steering fluid circuit could cause this issue?