Power Steering Failure

[vrrm]

Apologies if this is in the wrong thread.

My 09 G6ET developed a steering problem over the weekend.

After coming to a stop, particularly if have to hold foot on the brake in drive, as in waiting for the lights, the steering wheel becomes near to impossible to turn.

When I put the thing in neutral and rev the engine, it loosens up and one can turn.

The problem has been developing over 24 hours and is progressively getting worse.

I'd be grateful for any tips on what might be causing it?

Thanks in advance

Rob

[cobramad]

Hard to diagnose from a distance, but perhaps pump failure? Dont fool around with steering, get it checked out ASAP, especially if it craps out totally. These cars are cops to steer without P/S..

[vrrm]

Thanks.

40 years ago I used to drive a truck without power steering and that was a handful, but I've never encountered steering as hard as the G6ET without the power on.

I took the car to the local FPV workshop this arvo and they dumped the software and reflashed it. Fixed the problem, but while the car is back to normal the solution doesn't compute for me. I'm not aware that the power steering pump is progressive & don't see the relationship between software and what I thought was a purely mechanical / hydraulic process. Gives me concern for future like problems at unexpected times.

Any thoughts?

Rob

[XYZ]

Hey Mate,

Same thing happen to me on my FG. Like you said, as soon as you came to a stop it locked up?? Only when you put revs on it loosen up...??

Took it back to Ford and they fixed it up.. Said something about air in the power steering oil or something?? I was interstate at the time and a mate picked up my car for me so on never got the chance to question the service department about it..

Ben

[vrrm]

Interesting the blokes I talked to at the workshop were very clear that it wasn't a mechanical hydraulic issue, the software reflash was all they did.

Someone else might have greater knowledge that can inform us on this.

Rob

[cobramad]

Maybe a form of variable assistance, much like the older variable ratio power racks that used a solenoid, controlled by a signal from the PCM. It allowed greater assistance at low vehicle speed, such as parking and low speed manoeuvring and lessened the assistance as speed increased. Food for thought..

[tab]

I'm not aware that the power steering pump is progressive...

Don't quote me on it but I believe it actually is? Regardless it's not a comforting thought that if it is a software issue that it could randomly stop working after a while.

[cobramad]

Hey, wouldnt it be wicked to change the steering characteristics of your car, as much as is possible, thru software.. You know, really light and soft for old buggers and firmer and direct for those who still possess a modicum of arm strength..