Strange Steering issue

laserx · #1 10-20-2010, 12:25 PM

My 96 LSI has a very strange problem. When I use the steering wheel, I get a jerky movement not a nice smooth turn. Nor does it return to center when I turn a corner I have to guide it back into position. The Power steering pump is rebuilt (3 months ago) and not a problem, the rack looks fine no leaks anywhere no noise from anything. It almost feels like something is sticking like a U joint or linkage in the steering column. Does it have a connecting joint somewhere along the line? I can't find anything in the manuals I have...any help or direction is appreciated.

Mike621 · #2 10-20-2010, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laserx

My 96 LSI has a very strange problem. When I use the steering wheel, I get a jerky movement not a nice smooth turn. Nor does it return to center when I turn a corner I have to guide it back into position. The Power steering pump is rebuilt (3 months ago) and not a problem, the rack looks fine no leaks anywhere no noise from anything. It almost feels like something is sticking like a U joint or linkage in the steering column. Does it have a connecting joint somewhere along the line? I can't find anything in the manuals I have...any help or direction is appreciated.

The knuckle connecting the column to the rack may either need lubrication or needs replacing.

Mike621 · #3 10-20-2010, 12:41 PM

#34170 in the photo

34160PA010 Universal Joint Ay OEM List Price: $225.82

laserx · #4 10-20-2010, 12:41 PM

Thanks for your quick response, its been like this for a few months I'm almost used to it now, but others who take my car for a drive find it very annoying.
Do you have a part number and or a diagram showing it's location?

laserx · #5 10-20-2010, 12:42 PM

Were you reading my mind as I typed?

Thanks so much.

1986nate · #6 10-20-2010, 12:54 PM

Holy crap! that much for a simple universal joint?!

Manarius · #7 10-20-2010, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1986nate

Holy crap! that much for a simple universal joint?!

You drive a car that has a $900 windshield and $400 radiator. $225 for a U-Joint should not phase you

Mike621 · #8 10-20-2010, 01:33 PM

Though $200 for a part can be somewhat hard to understand for some people; take a moment instead to examine how important that u-joint is to the safety of the vehicle and its occupants.

Mike621 · #9 10-20-2010, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laserx

Were you reading my mind as I typed?

Thanks so much.

I kind of figured that would be your next question.

laserx · #10 10-20-2010, 02:31 PM

You're right what's another $225.00. This has been one of those years for my SVX. Tune up $1200.00, new timing belt, water pump and thermostat $650.00. New power steering pump $300.00. Rebuilt transmission $3500.00. New tires $950.00, so what's another few hundred dollars to make it perfect? I've owned an SVX since they first came out in 1992, so I know full well these babies are not for the faint of heart or someone with an empty wallet. My original 92 is still in perfect condition, now in my son's hands. It will soon hit 500,000 km as runs and looks perfect. Take care of them and they will last and give you a great ride.

StatGSR · #11 10-20-2010, 02:39 PM

i would try cleaning and lubing it before throwing in the towel for a new one.....

laserx · #12 10-20-2010, 02:50 PM

Just ordered it from Surbaruparts.com, it was on sale for $172.10, it's been ordered, thanks again.

Blacky · #13 10-20-2010, 04:59 PM

Mine was doing the same thing and I sprayed the heck out of it with WD-40 and it's been fine for nearly 2 years. There's 2 U-joints actually.
My daughter's Outback was doing the same thing last week and the same cure worked wonders.

1986nate · #14 10-20-2010, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike621

Though $200 for a part can be somewhat hard to understand for some people; take a moment instead to examine how important that u-joint is to the safety of the vehicle and its occupants.

I know how much of a safety factor that part is. I had almost thrown a couple of these out with scrap metal at some point... really glad I didn't...

laserx · #15 10-30-2010, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike621

#34170 in the photo

34160PA010 Universal Joint Ay OEM List Price: $225.82

I thought I'd found this part at Subaruparts.com. It said they had it on their site and I ordered it. Just got a call last night from them saying they do not have the part and can not get it?

Does anyone know where I can get this part, can't get it from my dealer either.