Steering Problems

[97Exec]

Hey guys, It seems like everytime I fix something on my 97 town car, somthing else goes wrong. I got new tires which let to all new ball joints and tie rod ends. Then the air suspenion shit the bed and I put new coil springs in.

Now my steering seems really tight when turning, but it doesnt do it all the time.
there is plenty of fluid, belt is tight and the pump makes no noise. I brought it to the mechanic yesterday and of course the tight steering (hard to turn) wasnt happening. Until I got in and drove it this morning. Any ideas guys?

All this work has been done in the last 3 weeks, I treat the car right and she keeps shitting on me.

HAPPY 4th of JULY EVERYONE, Be safe

 

[Town]

Does the steering feel tight in a complete turn of the wheel, or is it tight for part of a turn and then gets easy and then gets tight?

 

[97Exec]

Its only tight for part of the turn then gets easy then tight again. thats exactly what its doing

 

[TownCars1]

Be happy those are the only problems on a 17 year old car. How long did you expect everything to last?

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[97Exec]

its a (16) year old town car and these fine machines last a very long time. its got less than 180K

 

[Town]

Its only tight for part of the turn then gets easy then tight again. thats exactly what its doing

The problem is in the lower steering column U joints exposed to the environment just up from the steering box under the hood. There are bearings that get worn out/corroded when the seals fail, and result in that easy/hard cycle. Lubricating those U joints is possible as a short term easing of the problem since the seals are gone and some lubrication will get in and help. But you still have to replace those 2 shafts.

I will get the procedure and post it for you.

Good luck.

 

[Town]

The procedure to replace the lower steering column shaft on a 1997 Town Car is attached, but it does not contain any pictures. I have also attached the procedure for a 1998 Town Car because it is likely the same and contains pictures to help you. At least pictures help me.

Good luck