hi my 2004 max has an intermittent hesitation when turning left wheel, cranked about half way, sounds like a soft screeching sound at the same time it hesitates then all goes away back to normal, this scenario lasts for a couple of seconds not loud but i cant figure it out yet could it be a tranny?or? only had car for 5 days now and has happened 4 times, anyone have this issue? thanks for any input.

 

Just a guess, but based on the description it's either a bad power steering pump, slipping belt, or worst case the steering rack and pinion is in trouble. Have you checked fluid level on the power steering?

 

thanks no I have not but it just got certified, u would think the mechanic did, but if its full I guess I just keep driving it....

 

What's likely happening is something in the power steering during left turning is creating enough resistance that the engine is actually struggling to push past it. Hence the odd noise and hesitation. I suppose if you only made Right turns, and the symptom never showed up, you'd be fine, but that's not practical. If you're experiencing trouble on every left turn, then you're likely going to need to get this checked out before you end up with no power steering, or even worse, fluid goes everywhere, jumps your serpentine belt, drenches your alternator or starter, and leaves you stranded on the side of a road. And I'm skeptic on what you mean by Certified. Do you mean Certified Pre-owned? being over 13 years old, I can't imagine the car can be CPO. You likely have well over 100,000 miles, they don't certify cars that old/used.

 

thanks madmax doesn't happen every left turn but maybe 1 or 2 times a day, certifited meaning a safety, that's what the ministry needs before it can go in my name, it has low klms. 143,000 that's under a 100,000 miles, guess I better get it checked, cheers