Power Steering is extremley stiff PLEASE HELP...

[jquang]

I have a 2002 4.4. My Power Steering is extremley stiff. PS/ATF fuild is normal. Does anyone have any idea what it can be? Power Steering Pump, Valves, Holes, etc???

[X5rolls]

Failed rack or possibly air in the system?

[rba]

Do you know if it has the servotronic option? Its possible that it is out. If you dont know what servotronic is...there is a variable valve in the steering box that is fed by the car speed signal. At low speeds it gives the power steering a boost by opening the valve more. At higher speeds the valve closes and there is no power steering boost. When it goes out, you get no power steering boost at all and your steering seems difficult at low speeds.

[ARTRIGA]

I have the same problem. It feels like I have no power steering at all in very low speed. I have changed the fluid, which looked fresh to begin with... turned wheel both ways to the max and held it to get the air out. ....Nothing changed.
I'm going to try to change the valve, hope on a cheap fix before going for the rack. ..... If I only knew what I was doing. Has anyone actually done the servotronic valve replacement? Is this a pain in the back or what?...You know because the whole rack is like $700

[mrbmwx5]

first check your tire pressure .... if it ok then you may have bad steering wheel pump.

[ARTRIGA]

Dude....

[jquang]

damn... so it might be a whole range of things. Rack, Servotronic, Valve, Steering wheel pump? ahhhh. thanks all.....