Hard steering at low speeds on the 4mo. Problem?

[RubAVeeDubDub]

Gday all,

Fellow 4mo owners - do you find your steering hard and heavy in general? I find my car is a lot harder to turn than most vehicles I've driven. I've got no noises but it's definitely a bit of a challenge to turn the car at low speeds - especially parking.

Now it is lowered and has 8.5" wheels so I'm wondering is that to blame?

Should I look into this?
If so, I've checked fluid level and it's topped up fine. Tie-rod ends have been replaced less than 1000km ago.
Looking at the other power steering parts - i.e. lines, pump, belt, pulley - they do look a bit a worn. Belt is not cracked but used. Line looks worn out. Pump pulley seems to rotate wonky.

Do I need a new pump, line, or anything else? Best way to diagnose?

Appreciate any help here.

[Umai Naa!!]

Do the rear wheels skip or chirp at low speeds?

[RubAVeeDubDub]

Do the rear wheels skip or chirp at low speeds?

Newp. Not that I remember. I'll drive it today and test but I don't think my haldex is stuffed. She has had a recent oil change thankfully.

[Umai Naa!!]

How wonky is the pulley? Is it only a tiny bit, or is it way out?

Also check your tyre pressures, and maybe consider doing a fluid flush of the power steering. Oil should either be gold or dark green. Make sure you use a fully synthetic power steering oil to flush it.

[semiroundmark]

I have fairly heavy steering but I'm preety sure it comes down to the weight of your rims I upgraded mine to Aristos which are still heavy but a bit litter then the stock bora 16s and found it was a bit easier to turn.....then I tried my mates oz superturismos and my steering was effortless

[Umai Naa!!]

Tyre pressures play a big part in it too.

[RubAVeeDubDub]

How wonky is the pulley? Is it only a tiny bit, or is it way out?

Also check your tyre pressures, and maybe consider doing a fluid flush of the power steering. Oil should either be gold or dark green. Make sure you use a fully synthetic power steering oil to flush it.

Hard to answer. Personally I think any wonky pulley is a bad pulley? I'll see if I can get a video of it.

Tyre pressures are around 40psi on my 225/40r18 tyres that are stretched over a 8.5" rim.

I will do a power steering flush though. Good advice! Oil is currently a darker shade of gold.

I have fairly heavy steering but I'm preety sure it comes down to the weight of your rims I upgraded mine to Aristos which are still heavy but a bit litter then the stock bora 16s and found it was a bit easier to turn.....then I tried my mates oz superturismos and my steering was effortless

Interesting sentiments! Thanks! I've got Miro Type 111's which are not lightweight wheels but seemed to be no heavier than my stock 16's.

How hard is hard? (that's what she said!)
My car's steering is so hard at low speeds that it feels like it has no power steering. I've driven at least 15 different cars and none had this hard steering.

Tyre pressures play a big part in it too.

What do you think of 40psi? I'll maybe consider dropping it to 36psi.

[Umai Naa!!]

40 is fine. 36 will make it worse.

[RubAVeeDubDub]

40 is fine. 36 will make it worse.

Do you think the stretched tyres could have something to do with the hard steering feeling?

I must say that I struggle to get grip down with my setup and she's quite unsettled at high speeds through corners. I have practically new Pirelli P7s on her.