Patrol GU Heavy Steering Feel

[Zhing1]

Hi Guys. I noticed that my Patrol has a heavy steering feel compared to others. I'm running stock tires. any comments from the patrol gurus?

[MEGOMONSTER]

Hi Guys. I noticed that my Patrol has a heavy steering feel compared to others. I'm running stock tires. any comments from the patrol gurus?
can you give us any more details of what is happening or why you think its heavy. Or is it just stiffer when turning the steering wheel

[Zhing1]

Hi. It's just a very heavy sensation. Doing a u- turn takes an effort. The power steering pump seems okay. No weird noise emanating from there. There are no leaks on the power steering system. What do you guys think?

[threedogs]

check your tyre pressures minimum 35psi around town

[Zhing1]

Did that. Still the same. Do does the return to center damper have anything to do with this?

[nissannewby]

Did that. Still the same. Do does the return to center damper have anything to do with this?

Probably.....

[the evil twin]

Did that. Still the same. Do does the return to center damper have anything to do with this?

What NN said ^^^^^

Jack the front diff and try it with and without the RTC damper connected

[threedogs]

By turning the wheel the spring on the RTC damper is fighting against you to RTC.
every time you turn the wheel it wants to return to the centre, hope it makes sense
great having all the info

[the evil twin]

snip...
great having all the info

Agree, TD ;-)

Zhing1...
Just curious, why are you running an RTC on a vehicle with stock tyres and I assume little to no lift?
I dislike RTC at the best of times so freely admit I am biased.

Was the RTC fitted to try and stop the dreaded 80 KPH shakes?
If it was, you are much better off finding out what is screwed (panhard bushes or whtever) and fixing the cause

[threedogs]

what ET said x2
RTC are not my cup of tea and of all the ppl I know in the 4x4 game I cant think of anyone who has one.
If it is only to mask the dreaded 80k wobble your better off fitting a quality steering damper and finding and fixing your wobble

[Zhing1]

Hi guys. Sorry for the confusion. Just had a newbie episode. I don't have an RTC. It's just a steering damper. I checked out the damper and there were no signs of leaks. How else can I test if this is defective or if it's the real reason behind the heavy steering feel.

[BillsGU]

It may be a poor wheel alignment (castor not correct). As ET said - jack it up and see if it has any resistance with both wheels off the ground. If it does, then disconnect the damper to eliminate that. If it is still stiff - you must have a problem with a joint. Listen for noise or look for wear. Failing all that - take it to an expert.

[threedogs]

still could be a stuffed steering damper, unbolt one end and see how easy/hard it is to push/pull
If you see some grease nipples up the front end pump some grease into them only 2 pumps is fine