2011 Steering feels heavy

[q2quest]

Hello, first post. I recently bought a 2011 XLT 4.0, auto super cab with only 44k original miles. I was surprised that the steering felt so heavy (unassisted). I previously had a 1997 Ranger which felt nothing like this truck. Is this just the way these things are? It feels halfway between manual steering and power steering. The fluid is where it should be and there is no power steering noise. I'd like the steering to be more assisted. Not like a '72 Cadillac, but better than it is. Any ideas? Thanks

 

[franklin2]

Have you ever driven a vehicle with rack and pinion steering? They are all tight and have a pretty quick ratio compared to the old regular steering box systems.

 

[q2quest]

Yes, almost all the cars I have driven had rack and pinion steering, but none that felt this hard to turn the wheel.

 

[franklin2]

Are the front tires pumped up to the spec on the door jamb?

 

[SenorNoob]

If you can figure out how, I'll trade steering with you. Mines WAY too light. Gotta be careful not to look at the wheel wrong or it'll move to lock.

Seriously though. Maybe something rubbing in the column?

 

[sgtsandman]

The steering rack could be bad or caster is way off.

 

[q2quest]

Interesting. The truck is new to me and the steering is definitely heavier than you would expect. The tires are properly inflated and the PS pump does not make any noise, nor does it groan at full lock. It drives perfectly around town and on the freeway otherwise. No reason to suspect alignment is far off. I was really looking for someone with the same model year to tell me either that their's is either just like mine or definitely not like mine so I would know whether or not I've got a problem. I suspect my steering is abnormal because I could find no mention of firm steering anywhere on the internet with the 2011 Ranger. usually you can find at least one mention somewhere.

 

[Curious Hound]

No reason to suspect alignment is far off.

Except that the steering feels heavy. If it feels wrong, there is reason to suspect.