I learned something new today. After researching the cause of my slow speed steering being so heavy and sluggish I took a hard look at my power steering pump. It seems that two things can cause this problem. The vacuum lines going to it may be cracked or the sensor cable may not be connected. Looking closely I could see that there was no cable connected to it. So I removed the air box so I could get to the power steering pump and sure enough, the cable was just hanging there and not connected. After I connected the sensor to the pump my steering problem went away. The car now steers as it should at all speeds.

 

Question is, why was it undone, who did it?

 

This is a good question. I'm the third owner of this car and I have only had it for a few months. Though I have researched all the maintenance records that I have access to, I have found nothing that indicates any work was done on the power steering pump. My only clue is the pink mark on one of the attaching bolts. Perhaps it came from the factory with this mark, but I doubt it. In any case I came upon a post in this forum that told of the same problem and the solution for that car owner was to attach the cable which was just hanging below their pump. This got me looking at my pump and I discovered the same issue. My sensor cable was not plugged in. This sensor is used during low speed (under about 20) steering. It apparently provides an extra boost.

 

An unplugged sensor conjures possibilities of misdeed, perhaps. Some shops will do it to generate income, what a shame.

 

I never thought about that possibility but, it is a plausible explanation. The world we live in can be so disappointing at times.

 

Gotta get that H3avY steErING for the SPorT feel! Race CaRs doN't have powER steering SO WHY should I?!? (just kidding). The OEM steering on the SC is fine. Not really a ton of feedback but it's because it's pretty much the same system on the LS430's. Just good enough to lightly hustle it down a backroad.

P.S. I know many modern racing series have power steering.

Edit: Glad you fixed the issue! Gotta love those plug-and-play solutions.

 

I have the same problem. Sc 430 is very hard to steer when moving and practically impossible to turn when stopped during parking. I will CK further. Thx. for the tip

 

Hello there, if that plug is somehow out or disconnected the PS solenoid will send a message on ur instrument cluster VSC .. it help with stability and it should give u some force breaks on low speed ..

not sure how u just plugged it and fixed the stiffness without any dashboard signals or driving issue !!

 

I don't understand, the OP said he had the car for few months and had been driving it in that condition ?

 

mine feels heavy too but I am still managing to drive! Haven’t checked the sensor yet. My question is were you able to turn your steering at all on a low speed or it was very very hard? I still can turn but it’s not smooth.


cheers

 

I have an 06 and I have noticed that the steering is a bit heavy at lower speeds. Mainly when I am pulling out of the garage. I don't think I've noticed it being heavy at higher speeds. Can the connector only been seen by removing air box?

 

Thanks for the tip I have the same problem. Sc 430 is very hard to steer. Will check mine out