With the dropping temperatures (-20F), on most morning, as I turn the steering wheel to exit my driveway, it stops and becomes hard as if it's reached the end, but it hasnt. When I give some gas, I am able to continue turning the steering.

Any idea what the issue might be? Is it the power steering pump which is acting up due to the cold weather? Any ideas if this is an expensive item to fix?

Thanks in advance guys

 

It might also be the rack acting up on you. Cold temperatures do wonders to fluids.

IMO you should check the system for leaks.

 

I had that checked already, and all fluids have been above the minimum for the last 20,000+ KMs

 

in extreme cold weather fluids get thick and the belt could be slipping,,,the belt material gets brittle in cold weather and tends to slip,,,,consider replacing the belt may help , check tension too...good luck

 

but if it were the belt, would it make the dreaded squealing noise when it stops turning? I dont hear any squealing at all...

Thanks guys for the all the quick responses

 

the slipping belt won't squeal if it is really loose. I had the same problem at the start of winter.

 

I also would try to suck up all the fluid from the reservor and put new fluid in, that was happening to my G/F cars and all went ok after I changed the fluid. cost me $4.

 

Bad belts that work the power steering pump will cause the grinding/squealing noise from the power steering pump? That also gets worse while turning the steering wheel, and does not change even if you give the engine some rev's? I was thinking the power steering pump was gone and needed to be replaced.

Any ideas? Sorry to hijack the thread!

 

Took my max to the shop a while back and they told me i was leaking fluid from my power steering pump and would cost me about $500-600 when it was all said and done. Ive made the mistake of taking my car to different shops to have work done when i've learned i could simply order the part myself and complete installation for 1/4 of the price(give or take). Any help on the course of action i should take because im always down to save a buck. How urgent is this problem as well?

 

@joemax2000 run a paper towel or rag over the hoses coming off the power steering reservoir and see if there is any fluid. You could suction out the old fluid and add new fluid with the stop leak, but that is not a permanent solution.