As I reduce my list of things to do I have came to the steering issue I have. I really thought it was going to be in the alignment but have pretty much checked and rechecked it and it seems fine. The numbers match several on here for their alignment specs.

Unfortunately my Tech 2 is on the fritz so I am having to check manually some of the systems. I have checked for voltage and grounds as well as the fuses to the EBCM. All seem to be normal.

The steering rack was removed and replaced on the car so I am wondering if air in the system could be some or all of the problem.

I recently took the first hi-way trip of about 600 and something miles and the car wore me out trying to keep the steering under control. The car wanted to wonder in the lane and when I would try to correct the steering felt like it was lightly stuck just past the neutral position (maybe 3 to 5 degrees from center) and when a little more effort was applied to turn the wheel it would more more than necessary resulting in an over-steer and needing correcting in the other direction. It wasn't major but just enough that I was constantly back and forth rather than cruising along as normal. I was absolutely beat at the end of the trip. Even my hands were sore from keeping a grip on the wheel.

The steering is very easy at low speeds (under 35) but then over that speed it tightens up like max and hard to control and almost feels like the rack is in a bind. I won't drive over about 75 even on the interstate because of how hard it is to control.

I have tried to read up on the variable effort steering but haven't found out anything definitive concerning problems with it. Maybe it's working fine at low speed. No binding feel at all but then losing it all together and running strictly off manual hydraulics after that. But even hydraulics only shouldn't have a binding feel just difficult to turn.

I am wondering if air in the system may be playing a part at higher speeds when the assist isn't as strong.

Any input on this one. This is one of the last big items on my list and then the car will be mostly finished.

 

 

I don't know specifics about the Magnasteer rack, but other racks, they make a terrible noise if there is air in the system. Groans and rattling and other bad stuff. On those cars, the procedure was simply to make sure the reservoir is topped up, start the car but just stay parked, and turn the wheel lock-to-lock (all the way to one end, then back to the other) for at least 3 full cycles.

Obviously, you need to stop driving the car if you think that the steering might suddenly lock out turning in one direction...

 

Bind might be the wrong word. Let's say it takes a lot of effort to get it started in the direction it needs to go in like it has absolutely no assist at all. Makes it very difficult to keep steady without a lot of correction.

It's not any worst now than when it started so I don't feel it's a danger other than the control issue if you were to go say 100mph it would be hard to handle.

The system isn't making any noise so air probably isn't the problem. It may be just not getting the signal after a certain speed and dropping to straight hydraulics.

 

Take it to the dealer and have them look at it.

 

That's weird I thought my entire dealer episode was with in this thread but it did not make it.

I took it in to the dealer after leaving my alignment shop and told them what I wanted them to do which was to run the Tech 2 diagnostic on the VES system which should have taken an hour at most.

I waited in the "Lounge" for about an hour and they called to say the car was ready. The service writer told me the vehicle's alignment was with-in factory setting and there was no charge.
I told him I was aware that the vehicle was aligned as I had just left the alignment shop before coming there.

Well to make a long story shorter, It became a pissing contest when the alignment guy said he wasn't aware of the Tech 2 diagnostic. He was told to check the alignment as I was in a hurry then he wondered why the car sat for close to 30 minutes.

I looked at the ticket and it was clearly marked to check the VES system. He claimed he never seen the ticket and the service writer says he did. Needless to say I left in a huff.

I am currently waiting on a new card for my Tech 2 so I can check the thing myself and have an idea if it's computer related or something with the steering rack itself.

I was hoping someone had a similar problem and what they did to cure it.