Ropey Steering When Cold?

[Raymond.]

My steering is rather ropey/clunky when the engine is cold. It's fine when it's warmed up though.

Any bright ideas?

It feels like it's skipping the PAS every other second if that makes sense

[normski2]

Are your belts tight enough..or too slack? When were belts last changed... Do they look cracked or shiny on the pressure edge?

[Raymond.]

They were done 3K ago but more than 14 months ago.

Would they make the difference? Never had this before. Seems fine when it get a little warm.

Not opened the bonnet on this thing yet. I'll have a look tomorrow and check.

[ChrisIS200SportTTE]

Hi Ray. Major coincidence but I was having the same trouble up until the weekend. This is common apparently. What I did was get the belt tightened as its prone to slipping. And even when slipping can be quiet and not squeel!

[ChrisIS200SportTTE]

All my symptoms would also go away when the car was warm.

[Lance]

Hi Ray. Major coincidence but I was having the same trouble up until the weekend. This is common apparently. What I did was get the belt tightened as its prone to slipping. And even when slipping can be quiet and not squeel! (this is what the dealer told me anyway)

I also changed the power steering fluid which Lexus will tell you is good for the life of the car! No more clunky steering :)

Glad you got it changed okay mate and good to hear it has fixed the steering problem, did you notice just how black and rotten the old fluid was? I can't understand how Lexus could say it was good for the life of the car.

[ChrisIS200SportTTE]

Hi Ray. Major coincidence but I was having the same trouble up until the weekend. This is common apparently. What I did was get the belt tightened as its prone to slipping. And even when slipping can be quiet and not squeel! (this is what the dealer told me anyway)

I also changed the power steering fluid which Lexus will tell you is good for the life of the car! No more clunky steering http://static.autoclubhub.com/ipb/forums/3.3.4/public/style_emoticons/#EMO_DIR#/smile.png

Glad you got it changed okay mate and good to hear it has fixed the steering problem, did you notice just how black and rotten the old fluid was? I can't understand how Lexus could say it was good for the life of the car.

Totally lance, thanks!

[Lance]

Raymond: Change your Power Steering Fluid. It will sort that problem.

Here's how:

Get a bottle of ATF fluid, a pair of pliers and a plastic jug. Take the thicker hose off (at the power steering reservoir) and hold it in the jug. Fluid will run out of the bottom of the reservoir so catch that in the jug too. Bring a rag to catch any spills. Get your missus to start the car and turn the wheel lock to lock until the fluid is all out. Switch off engine, refit hose and refill reservoir with new ATF fluid. No more lumpy steering on a cold morning!

[Raymond.]

Cheers Mr. Normski, Chris and Lance.

I'll get this sorted over the weekend and report back B)

[ChrisIS200SportTTE]

Oh yeah catch all the oil to save from getting an oily driveway

[Raymond.]

Might be a job to do in father in laws garage then....

[Lance]

Yeah I should have probably told you to point and hold the hose down in the jug as the fluid will splurt and fart out under a bit of pressure when the steering wheel is turned...