Heavy Steering

[degeneration]

Since new my VE has had heavier than normal (have rented 6 others) steering. Rentals I could park with the open palm of my hand, mine not. It's just an sv6 wagon with nothing special pre or aftermarket.

A year ago I started needing to park a dozen or so times a day, and the steering was becoming a real pain to use. At low speed especially at the end of travel the thing required a fair bit of muscle to manoeuvre. My wife refuses to drive it (good/bad I'm not sure...:surprise.

I took it over to Holden, who proceeded to replace the upper strut bearings on the front. The steering seemed to be lighter. A couple of months later the steering is starting to get heavy again.

The car has only done 29 000km, no accidents, no mounting gutters/median strips, tyres are all good, alignment was checked 2 000km ago and now has new strut top bushes.

I'm a bit wary of taking it back because I think they'll just tick off the next thing on the list and charge me like a wounded bull.

Has anyone had this kind of thing happen to them and worked it out?

Any other ideas welcome as well!

 

[fanga]

Tyre width, size and pressure can affect steering . First thing i would check is the the pump, low fluid pressure maybe ?

 

[degeneration]

The tyres are original standard issue Bridgestones that came with the SV6 as were the tyres (and kms) on the rentals I was comparing it with. I check my pressures are to spec every second/third time I fill up the gas, and as I rotate my own wheels every year the tyres have worn nicely.

I'll get someone to check the pump pressure and report back.

 

[phillmac]

What happened during warranty. If the issue was raised it is still covered.

 

[degeneration]

What happened during warranty. If the issue was raised it is still covered.

Thanks for your input, I guess you talking about the warranty on the bush replacement. Although I'm only an amateur mechanic, I can't see the bushes wearing out in such a short time. I'm pretty sure they won't wear the wrong diagnosis of the problem, but I might just bring it up politely... :blah blah:

 

[phillmac]

If the steering has changed or is too heavy from new it is Holden that pays for repairs, you only pay for service items. If you had a problem and reported it, tried to get it fixed in the 3 year warranty it is covered until fixed. If you have been charged speak to Holden or another dealer.