Hey guys,,

So I'm having some power steering issues with Big Red, 2011 1LT 2.2 fleet vehicle with 115,000 miles. The power steering has been going out intermittently while driving, and getting happening more and more over the last week. I don't know if it goes completely out, but it is definitely harder to steer than it used to be when this happens. Also, sometimes it gets hung up at a spot when turning to the right and I have to really crank on the wheel to get it to continue turning. After I get it free from that spot, it'll turn freely, still hard, through the rest of the turn. After I replace struts and suspension, the alignment is is in specs, but the angle of the right strut is just at the acceptable limit. Prior to the power steering issue, the car would veer right slightly when the wheel would be let go. Now the car drives straight as an arrow With The wheel let go and I have to help the wheel get back to straight after coming out of a turn.

I have no warnings on the dash and no codes, active, stored, or pending. I called the dealer to check on the extended warranty and was told that the 11 didn't have it on the power motor. Should I be looking at the motor for the problem. Or elsewhere. I also havent priced the motror yet, but I do have a lifetime warranty with a 200$ deductable, so I'm wondering if I should let the dealership handle this one.

Your guys input is always greatly appreciated

 

That's not the motor. It has nothing to do with returning to center or going straight.

Look at the steering gear.

 

Steering rack is a possibility so would camber or caster or toe out of whack.