Heavy steering.

[Red Baron]

Scoob steering seems to be getting heavier, pump seems ok, no leaks and fluid is only a couple of years old, no strange noises either, sometimes the steering feels almost lumpy and when exiting a junction seems reluctant to straighten up by itself, especially when cold. Could it be the pump or am I possibly looking at a new rack?

[Red Baron]

Well after a bit of research it appears the two UJs on the steering column are prone to drying out due to their proximity to the turbo and down pipe, particularly on cars with a decat as there are no heat shields (and cars that spend too much time in the garage and not being driven). So I've just spent half an hour with a can of penetrating fluid spraying them and moving the steering from lock to lock to free them up and then a liberal coating of spray grease. Not had a chance to take it out yet but if it helps I'll take the UJs out completely, clean and grease them properly and put it back together again.

[Steve_PPP]

Interesting.... my car comes out the garage about as much as yours and also have a decat.

Thought my steering has been heavy for a while but assumed it was just me being too used to modern comforts in the beemer. Will take a look and give it a bit of spray grease and see what happens.

[Rdlangy1]

My steering has been extremely heavy since day one - I thought it could be the power steering pump failing or dodgy fluid but all have been fine..

I will def get this looked at also! (Although I’m not decat)

[Red Baron]

It was the fact that it wasn't self straightening after pulling out of junctions, certainly catches you off guard when it starts steering towards the curb. I'm hoping to change the front wishbones on Friday so I'll get the front up in the air and see how it feels with no weight on the wheels.

[Steve_PPP]

OK mines not that bad....!

[Red Baron]

Well I've just been to Sainsburys and back and all seems fine, no lumpiness or stiffness and straightened up fine, hopefully that was a nice cheap fix.