Steering anomaly or imagination?

[FL_Ridge]

I've just passed the 103k mile mark and the truck has been a true pleasure to own.

The car has not been driven much for the past month or so. It has been relegated to being a driveway cover as I travel for work. The weather has been cold, 20s at night and many days haven't been much warmer.

Before a road trip last weekend I noticed what I felt was too much play in the steering before the wheel would turn. It seemed as though I could turn the wheel 1/2 to 3/4 turn to the right and still be going nearly straight.

I've been driving brand new rental cars for the past month, but this doesn't seem as I remember it.

I checked the power steering fluid which showed normal wear. It was between the upper and lower marks, so I did add fluid to top it off to the high mark.

The problem seems less exaggerated than it did a week ago before the 300 mile round trip, but it still doesn't seem like its as I remember it just a few weeks ago. Maybe I'm imagining this, but I think there is something going on here.

Any thoughts? I can't find anyone with a similar issue in searching through the forums.

I'm soon due for a major service that includes that timing belt, but before I venture down that path for routine service I want to make sure that this issue is not a can of worms.

[hiPSI]

A few observations:

1. Up here where it gets hot and cold on a normal basis the steering does feel different depending on the temperature. It is just a feeling though as it does not actually change.

2. Driving different vehicles for a period of time can change your perception of your own.

3. A few simple tests can set your mind at ease: Check your steering from center to left lock and then again to right lock. Count turns down to the 1/8 of a turn. They should be the same and I will go out and check my 2010 for same. Secondly start truck and while standing outside reach in through the window and move steering wheel while watching tire. Does it move with the wheel? Hope everything checks out fine as it probably could even be something as simple as lower than normal tire pressure due to cold temperatures has changed the "feel" of your steering.

[FL_Ridge]

Originally Posted by hiPSI

A few observations:

1. Up here where it gets hot and cold on a normal basis the steering does feel different depending on the temperature. It is just a feeling though as it does not actually change.
2. Driving different vehicles for a period of time can change your perception of your own.

3. A few simple tests can set your mind at ease: Check your steering from center to left lock and then again to right lock. Count turns down to the 1/8 of a turn. They should be the same and I will go out and check my 2010 for same. Secondly start truck and while standing outside reach in through the window and move steering wheel while watching tire. Does it move with the wheel? Hope everything checks out fine as it probably could even be something as simple as lower than normal tire pressure due to cold temperatures has changed the "feel" of your steering.

Due to travel I drive my Ridgeline about 20 miles a week now. There are about 103k on the clock and all scheduled services to date have been performed.

Tires are properly inflated and the car pulls straight. I don't seen any undue tire wear. I did have an alignment performed about 30k miles ago.

While driving I can turn the steering wheel 1/3 to 1/2 turn and little happens. This is noticeable at low speeds. When driving out of my neighborhood it seems that I'm turning the wheel 1/4 to 1/3 turn while going straight.

I measured the turns from center. I can turn 1.5 to 1.75 turns left and right to reach the locks.

Still not sure if i'm imagining something or if I should be repairing something.

[speedlever]

Something does not sound right in your steering assembly. Check it out before you have a catastrophic failure.

No way should you have *any* play in the steering wheel before you see corresponding directional control happening.

Please let the ROC know what you find.

But let's make sure our terminology is consistent. When you say you turn it 1/2 turn, do you mean you turn the wheel 90* left or right or 180* left or right? Exactly what is 1/2 turn to you?

Post up a short video of this in action if possible.

[Goodview]

Check for foaming in the reservoir after you've driven it a few minutes.

'foam' or 'foaming' will get you some hits if you have that problem.

Also, see what happens with the engine shut off, as far as movement goes....

[FL_Ridge]

Originally Posted by Goodview

Check for foaming in the reservoir after you've driven it a few minutes.

'foam' or 'foaming' will get you some hits if you have that problem.

Also, see what happens with the engine shut off, as far as movement goes....

It seems as though the issue is less pronounced now than 8 weeks ago when the weather was quite a bit colder.

Still, it seems that I have a lot of play in the steering wheel. When driving straight, the wheel can turn as much as a quarter turn before the truck moves very much. In our other car and in the rentals I drive weekly I notice that a small movement in the steering wheel will cause the vehicle to turn. I think I remember this Ridgeline being more tight and responsive.

[Rickman]

I think it is just you not being used to a great power steering system, and or maybe the cold sitting had something to do with it.

Were your rentals N.A. vehicles????

[Pizza Man]

Why not go to an alignment specialist in your area and have the steering checkout by a professional. Shouldn't cost too much considering the peace of mind you'll get in return.