Hi guys,
Yesterday my IS200 developed a stiff steering feel. Basically, I went out in the car and all was fine. I parked up for about 5 minutes and when I set off again I noticed that the steering felt quite stiff compared to usual. It seemed to develop all of a sudden. It seems to handle okay on corners but the steering doesn't seem to want to centre like it usually does. Usually it will do without any problems but it seems almost as though something is resisting it and needs a bit of persuasion.
The only way I can describe it is it feels a bit like driving on under inflated front tyres. The first thing I did was check all of the tyre pressures but they were all fine (even the rears) at a nice 35psi each.
I then thought maybe a sticking brake so I jacked up each front wheel but both were spinning freely with no rubbing or bearing rumble. Rocked the wheels up/down and side to side but no loose play that I could feel.
Checked the power steering fluid and there's plenty in there. Also checked the power steering pulley belt and no problems there that I could see. The pump is operating (at least to a certain extent) as it's definitely not as stiff as when the engine isn't running and I can hear the release valve thingy working when the wheels are at full lock. Engine revs pick up fine from idle when turning the wheels with the car stationary. Fluid bubbles a bit with the cap off the reservoir when operating the steering.
I sprayed the steering column UJ with a lot of WD40 in case that was seized but hasn't made a difference.
Anybody have any other ideas, please? :( Is it likely that the pump is on it's way out or have I overlooked something really obvious?
Thanks in advance!