Why does my steering wheel lock when I turn left or right?

2002 DODGE STRATUS
120,000 MILES
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SJOHNSON
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  • 2 POSTS
everytime I turn right or left the steering wheel locks. If I put it in park, turn it off and restart it I am able to turn the wheel. But it locks everytime I turn unless I do it very slowly.
Dec 20, 2011 at 10:02 PM
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CARADIODOC
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Do you mean the mechanical steering wheel lock is engaging or the steering wheel is just hard to turn? Since you're putting it in park, I have to assume the car is standing still when this occurs. If the wheel is just hard to turn, try raising engine speed a little to see if the power steering assist comes back. If it does, suspect a worn power steering pump. That was real common with the little square "ZF" style pump.
Dec 20, 2011 at 10:43 PM