Hi guys

Over the last week i have noticed the steering has become very heavy especially when cold, and it will not self centre without requiring some input from me to return the steering wheel to "straight ahead" position at low speed when turning out of junctions etc.
The car was just MOT'd this morning and i mentioned it to the tester (local indy) when i took it in, car passed with no advisories (good news), i said did you have a good look at front bushes, power steering, rack etc?
He said the bushes are fine but he found a small oil leak but could not pinpoint where it was coming from, said all reservoirs where fine on their levels, said it could be the rack or the power steering pump.

Is the pump a common problem on these? What about the rack?
I was playing around with the suspension heights last weekend but not sure that is relevant?

Any thoughts on this please guys? 2006 L320 4.2 Supercharged
2009 BMW X5 M-Sport - Gone
2007 L320 2.7TDV6 SE Buckingham Blue - Gone
2011 Jaguar XFS 3.0V6 Diesel - Gone
2009 (59) L320 Facelift 3.0TDV6 HSE White Wrap - Gone
2008 BMW X5 M-Sport - Gone
2005 Audi A6 3.2V6 Quattro S-Line - Gone

Tyre Pressures all correct?? ===========================================
2012 Range Rover Sport Autobiography 3.0 SDV6 8 speed Automatic
Indus Silver with Hockenheim premium two-tone leather Ebony/Lunar,

Yup, tyre pressures within 1lb of recommended, i have also noticed a bit of creaking when on full lock manoevering, thought that indicates bushes but not according to tester.

I am a bit stumped

Edit....should point out they are standard tyres/wheels 275/40/20 2006 L320 4.2 Supercharged
2009 BMW X5 M-Sport - Gone
2007 L320 2.7TDV6 SE Buckingham Blue - Gone
2011 Jaguar XFS 3.0V6 Diesel - Gone
2009 (59) L320 Facelift 3.0TDV6 HSE White Wrap - Gone
2008 BMW X5 M-Sport - Gone
2005 Audi A6 3.2V6 Quattro S-Line - Gone

There is a UJ in the steering column which can stiffen up causing heavy steering and lack of self-centering.
https://www.advancedfactors.co.uk/lr071146...3638-p.asp

Some have given it a good soaking with a lubricant (grease/silicone spray) and while that's a temporary fix, it will give you an idea if that's the culprit. I'm sure there was a thread about a steering speed sensor that could cause similar symptoms, but can't find it. Looks like it needs jacking up and having a good look, as the oil you mention may be coming from the rack causing your problem.

Thanks for the suggestions oldandconfused, hope it's not the rack as can't see that being cheap, will try lubing the UJ first 2006 L320 4.2 Supercharged
2009 BMW X5 M-Sport - Gone
2007 L320 2.7TDV6 SE Buckingham Blue - Gone
2011 Jaguar XFS 3.0V6 Diesel - Gone
2009 (59) L320 Facelift 3.0TDV6 HSE White Wrap - Gone
2008 BMW X5 M-Sport - Gone
2005 Audi A6 3.2V6 Quattro S-Line - Gone

Oldandconfused wrote:

There is a UJ in the steering column which can stiffen up causing heavy steering and lack of self-centering.
https://www.advancedfactors.co.uk/lr071146...3638-p.asp

Some have given it a good soaking with a lubricant (grease/silicone spray) and while that's a temporary fix, it will give you an idea if that's the culprit. I'm sure there was a thread about a steering speed sensor that could cause similar symptoms, but can't find it. Looks like it needs jacking up and having a good look, as the oil you mention may be coming from the rack causing your problem.

skid1963 wrote:

I was playing around with the suspension heights last weekend but not sure that is relevant?

Any thoughts on this please guys?

@rrstdv8 Yup, ride height set to normal, not set to a different height, will give it another play with the height settings and see if it helps the car settle back to where it should be regarding the steering problem, although i can't see it helping as i have done 2 50 mile runs since i noticed the problem

As suggested previously, i think it needs to go up on a ramp to investigate minor oil leak as it could be the rack, bearing in mind i'm getting the creaking on full lock 2006 L320 4.2 Supercharged
2009 BMW X5 M-Sport - Gone
2007 L320 2.7TDV6 SE Buckingham Blue - Gone
2011 Jaguar XFS 3.0V6 Diesel - Gone
2009 (59) L320 Facelift 3.0TDV6 HSE White Wrap - Gone
2008 BMW X5 M-Sport - Gone
2005 Audi A6 3.2V6 Quattro S-Line - Gone

Are you thinking of the SASM? Steering angle sensor module?[/quote]

I'm sure it was something about the speed sensitive steering and the sensor that determines the level of assistance, hence it being heavy. Does the SASM do that? As I say, it was a thread I saw but didn't pay too much attention to because I haven't had that problem, yet.