Steering Wheel & Steering Problem

[NashvilleGT]

Appreciate any input.......2011 Fusion Sport 3.5L, bought new. 

 

Intermittent without warning, the Steering wheel will become very stiff turning to not being able to turn more than an inch either direction. No dash warning lights on. Does not seem to matter if the car is just started or after being driven. Dealer service said this was a problem with other models, but not the 3.5L Sport. Example: Drove several miles the other day then sat in the car in Park idle while my wife went into a store, then when leaving I could not turn the steering wheel! Turned car on & off several times to reset it....finally getting maybe 2 inches of movement which led to an exciting drive home. 

 

Any info, insight, similar experiences, suggestions very appreciated!

Best Wishes,

[bbf2530]

18 hours ago, NashvilleGT said:

Appreciate any input.......2011 Fusion Sport 3.5L, bought new. 

 

Intermittent without warning, the Steering wheel will become very stiff turning to not being able to turn more than an inch either direction. No dash warning lights on. Does not seem to matter if the car is just started or after being driven. Dealer service said this was a problem with other models, but not the 3.5L Sport. Example: Drove several miles the other day then sat in the car in Park idle while my wife went into a store, then when leaving I could not turn the steering wheel! Turned car on & off several times to reset it....finally getting maybe 2 inches of movement which led to an exciting drive home. 

 

Any info, insight, similar experiences, suggestions very appreciated!

Best Wishes,

 

Hi Nashville.  I'm not sure, but believe the 2011 Fusion Sport still had the hydraulic power steering system as opposed to the newer EPAS (electric power assisted steering) systems? If yes, the blind Internet diagnosis...Could be a fluid leak or failing power steering pump or even a steering rack problem.

 

Have you checked the power steering fluid level? Any leaks, squeals/whining/noises when you try to turn the steering wheel? Is it safe to assume you could move the wheel further (although still with difficulty) once you were rolling or up to speed?

 

Did you bring the car in to the Dealership and have them check it, or was their opinion expressed over the phone/without looking at it hands on?

 

If your 2011 Fusion Sport has the EPAS system, then see this: http://www.autonews.com/article/20150527/OEM11/150529883/ford-recalls-423000-vehicles-for-power-steering-issue

 

Keep us updated and good luck.

 

 

[NashvilleGT]

Thanks bbf2530!

 

It does have the hydraulic system. Fluid level is good,  no squeaks or squeals.....works better when car is up to speed normally. Not last Sat. which made for an exciting ride home. I had maybe 2 inches of movement in either direction, it never got better. We were lucky and. Did not meet any other cars & I stayed on the side road, did not stop for stop signs. 

 

It could have been catastrophic if we were at speed on the interstate or on our curvy country roads. This is a get it fixed or get rid of it (somehow) issue. 

It is now parked in a different garage so I will check for leaks on the cardboard I placed under the engine. 

 

I thought maybe someone else might have had the same issue. 

 

The dealer service guy said without a code (None showing) they would be guessing. 

Guessing can get expensive on a 8 year old car. I have to have a limit of $ to experiment. Unfortunately, I am in no way a mechanic & do not claim to be. I will post a update. 

 

Will have it towed to dealer next week. I just bought a 2018 a few months back & have bought several cars there. 

 

Thanks for your concern & detailed reply! It is appreciated!

[bbf2530]

26 minutes ago, NashvilleGT said:

Thanks bbf2530!

 

It does have the hydraulic system. Fluid level is good,  no squeaks or squeals.....works better when car is up to speed normally. Not last Sat. which made for an exciting ride home. I had maybe 2 inches of movement in either direction, it never got better. We were lucky and. Did not meet any other cars & I stayed on the side road, did not stop for stop signs. 

 

It could have been catastrophic if we were at speed on the interstate or on our curvy country roads. This is a get it fixed or get rid of it (somehow) issue. 

It is now parked in a different garage so I will check for leaks on the cardboard I placed under the engine. 

 

I thought maybe someone else might have had the same issue. 

 

The dealer service guy said without a code (None showing) they would be guessing. 

Guessing can get expensive on a 8 year old car. I have to have a limit of $ to experiment. Unfortunately, I am in no way a mechanic & do not claim to be. I will post a update. 

 

Will have it towed to dealer next week. I just bought a 2018 a few months back & have bought several cars there. 

 

Thanks for your concern & detailed reply! It is appreciated!

 

Hi NashvilleGT. First, let me state upfront that I am no more than an out of practice, weekend shade-tree mechanic: That being made clear, the fact that it sometimes almost completely locks up even while at speed (~2" of movement), would lead me to believe it could be a steering rack or steering column issue, as opposed to a power steering pump issue. Experience tells me it would not lock up like that if it was simply a power steering pump issue, especially once moving at speed. Sounds more like something binding or interfering with the rack or column.

 

Hopefully another member with more tech experience will jump in.

 

And you are very welcome.  We are all here to try and help. 

 

Keep us updated and good luck Nashville.

Edited September 25, 2018 by bbf2530

[NashvilleGT]

Thanks bbf2530!

 I really appreciate your input.

 I will have time to start it up and see what happens this weekend. Not getting out of my garage & driveway. I think it will be towed to the dealer next week. I am not up for another on road surprise!

Best Wishes 

[NashvilleGT]

UPDATE***** Thanks bbf2530!

The verdict was a failing steering rack, gear assy. which were replaced along with an alignment. The car turns now, but still seems tight to me. I asked if this happens often on cars with just over 43K miles & was told that it happens at all mileage & age. I drove about 20 miles home tonight on both interstate & 2 lane curvy country roads. 

Thanks  for responding!! I appreciate your input!