Guy at work just bought a very nice 99 that obviously has been well taken care of. As I have a 95 and a 96, I took his for a drive today. He had mentioned his steering was a bit stiff and it is more stiff than either one of mine. It is not hard to steer and it is obvious the pump is working and quite, but it is more stiff. The fluid was full and there is nothing obviously wrong that I can see without getting under the car, but I thought I would ask for suggestions.
Comments appreciated.
Randy

 

You know how when you are in a turn and you let go of the wheel it returns to center? Does this car easily spin back to center when you let go of the wheel or do you actually have to manually shuffle it back coming out of a turn?

If that is so, it could be the strut bearings are binding up making it difficult for the entire assembly to rotate.

Other than that though, I have no idea. In fact I would like to make my steering a bit stiffer if at all possible. The Maxima is incredibly over-boosted.

 

It seemed to return to center fine, as it was not "binding" anywhere. It just seemed noticably under-assisted.
Randy

 

Could be that there is a lack of lubricant at ball joints, tie-rod ends and rack and pinion assembly, mis-alignment, or maybe your tire pressure is low.

 

The steering in the 99 4th gens is tighter then other 4th gens.
There's nothing wrong with the car.

 

damn dude your still around

 

Yeah and it feels way better overall.

 

Can you believe it?

 

Wow I did not know that. Is there a way I can modify the steering on my 1997 so it feels similar or just like the 1999?

Honestly the one thing I can't stand about my car is the mushy oatmeal over boosted steering.

 

Its definitely strut bearing related if they haven't been replaced. Not a major issue or anything but if you felt like removing both front strut assemblies and installing new strut bearings with a little lube on them, I'm sure steering would get a bit smoother and easier. Again, not a major issue.

 

I wish the steering on my '96 SE 5MT had a bit more heft. I zipped down a country road the other day and at times it felt like I was driving a really quick Grand Marquis! Plenty of grip, yes, but the steering doesn't inspire as much confidence as I'd like...

 

99' rack replacement + ES bushings for good measures