I started a new thread to keep this concise. Figure it'll help future searches track it down too.

issue: getting an alignment seemed to result in strange issues.

1) steering wheel did not seem to return all the way to straight when let go after a turn. ( See #2)

2) steering wheel was not centered when driving straight. Brought it back to mechanic, he set toe so steering wheel was centered for straight travel. This also cleared#1.

3) steering was heavy. When changing direction of the steering wheel, I felt a tiny gap and heard a clunk, especially at idle.

Mechanic called me in after fixing toe. He put a guy in driver seat, lifted the car and we walked under. Guy moved steering wheel left right left repeat.

sure enough the clunk and even a grating sound was coming from the steering rack. It was as though there was no power steering fluid pressure in there.

I began to suspect I needed a new steering rack, but our experts here advised me to 1st check the variable power steering assist.(VPSA)

this morning I pulled the VPSA 10 amp fuse to check it out. Bad news, it was a good fuse, I put it back. Checked a few other 10amp fuse just in case.

Had to go to store, started car went for a ride: THE PROBLEMS ARE GONE! No clunk, smooth easy steering, tight connection to steering wheel.

Guys, I never expected this, not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. I couldn't have reset the VPSA this is an ignition circuit at the fuse. Yes there is a copper tap on the hot leg of this fuse, but climate is also on his circuit I'm told.

Well thanks to All of you who helped out over the last 2 days. I wanted to share the good news, and set it up for future searches.

John

 

Great to hear!

 

I know its an old thread, but i think i might be having the same issue! Looks like i will be trying this to see if it makes a difference! Gotta love computer controlled stuff smh

 

Oh I hope it works! Let us know.

John

 

I think pulling and cleaning the fuse definitely made a difference! It feels better now. However, I will crawl under and check and clean the connector on the front of the rack and pinion just to see if it makes any more difference.

 

Love it!!! Glad to hear.

John