Stiff steering

2006 KIA SORENTO

150,000 MILES • 3.5L • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC

CLIF MORRIS

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My vehicle had hard steering in January, I noticed a leak in the rack and pinion so I had it changed. The steering was still just a little stiff but I figured it was because it needed to work out the "new". I haven't moved the truck since about March or so as this 'virus' has kept us at home. I went to drive the truck the other day and the stiffness is still in the steering. Is there anything I can do to assist making the turn of the steering wheel like it was prior to having problems. The stiffness concerns my wife and she is disabled and I don't need it to give her issues. 2CarPros has always been my go to for help. By the way, I do not have/hear a whine when I am turning the steering.
Thanks

May 4, 2020 at 3:53 AM

STRAILER

CERTIFIED EXPERT
53,854 POSTS

Hello,

The stiffness is problem due to a failing power steering pump which is low on pressure. Here are instructions on how to change the pump in the diagrams below. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

Images (Click to enlarge)

May 4, 2020 at 12:36 PM

KASEKENNY

CERTIFIED EXPERT
18,907 POSTS

More than likely we have a power steering pump issue. The only way to know is to monitor the pressure to see if it is low.

I included the testing process for this. Also, here is a guide that runs through the basics of power steering issues as there are other possible causes. However, with low assist and no noise, it is most likely just a weak pump.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-problems

Let me know if you have questions after running through this. Thanks

Image (Click to enlarge)

May 4, 2020 at 12:36 PM