Hi all , I have a very peculiar problem and I was wondering if anyone may be able to help out ?? It has been very cold in Southwestern Ontario ... I started the Maverick the other day and to my surprise she squeeled very loud and the steering wheel moved a full turn all by itself !!! I checked the fluid level in the power steering box and all is well , no leaks anywhere and belt is tight and secure ... I took it on the highway all warmed up and the 74 Maverick , 6 cyl , seems to be a little sloppy in the steering department ... The alignment is fine , no clicking or strange noise on turns ,I just seem to have to give it a little extra keeping it straight on the road , it wants to go either left or right a little bit for no apparent reason ... Its not like it is grabbing and the power steering is constant , it does not come and go ... Are my assumptions correct on replacing the power steering pump ?? I assume that is the part under the hood where you check fluid levels , where the belt is attached ...I have read about the steering control adjustment ,control valve centering spring adjustment but I have no idea where it is or where to start ... In laymans terms please as I have no manual and limited knowledge to rely on ... Any help would help out greatly ... Thanx in advance ....
The power steering set up on mavericks is notoriously lousey in the feel and controll departments. I would check the front suspension components and tire pressures before condemning anything. Also...If you are not well versed or dont have a manual that covers the power steering components...Dont mess with em...Get a set of manuals first.Post an add in the wanted section on the forum, search flea bay, etc... The manuals turn up from time to time. Many people here actually convert to manual steering (Myself included) The P.S. system is lousey when it works well...Now add 40 yrs of use to the equation...Good luck!!!
That's what I would think, maybe some moisture in the ps fluid, and it could have had some ice in the valve. I saw your car a few months back, getting gas at 7-11 on Wharcliffe, I wondered if you still had it.
