QuestionWhen I turn the wheel the car responds (maybe a little bit slowly). The big problem is when I try to complete the turn by straightening the steering wheel back to a neutral position: the car basically doesn't respond at all until I've gone past the center point on the steering wheel. Then I'm left going back and forth until I've settled on something straight enough to keep me on the road. Another way to explain it is that once you start a turn it feels like there's a HUGE deadspot before it will turn back the other direction.
A minor accident precipitated the problem, but the car has by no means receive excellent care so it really could have been coincidence, or even the failure of a part that caused the accident.
Currently my mechanic is telling me that the prime suspect is some kind of power steering fluid regulator (that apparently costs between $300 and $500). This certainly sound plausible, but I also want to know how deep into my pockets I might have to go before the car is driveable.
I don't even fully understand what this part does. Are you familiar with it? If this isn't the problem, is there anything other than the master cylinder that could be the problem?
Really appreciate your help,
Nick
AnswerNever heard of a power steering fluid regulator, but I'm sure such an item exists.
Don't see how that would cause your problem which seems to be directional.
First thing you need to do is see if the slop is real, actually look and see if wheels are turning with the steering wheel. If they are, then it sounds like the wreck really messed up the caster on you front end. Caster is what makes you wheels self center.
If the wheels do not track with the steering wheel movement, DON'T DRIVE CAR AND HAVE IDLER ARM AND TIERODS CHECK. If they are okay, check for slop it steering box itself, not power steering.
