With engine running should the fluid in the reservoir be swirling and moving around pretty fast in there. I never noticed that on any other vehicle.
I only noticed it because I was looking at it because my steering has been feeling like it gets tight for a second then loosens up and happens intermittent.

 

Yes it should be circulating.

Your steering is getting tight due to the universal joint on the steering shaft getting rusty. It is a common issue.

My preferred fix is two fold.

Spray the joints with your favorite rust breaker, I use PB Blaster. Skip the WD40, IMHO. Let it sit a bit then work the steering wheel back and forth to break up the rust and free up the movement.

Once it feels completely free, coat it with your favorite lubricant. My preference is Fluid Film. Again let it sit then crank the wheel back and forth to really work it in.

 

Thanks for your reply, I will give that a shot later on.

 

If fluid film doesn't work long term for you, get in there with a good amount of grease and pack it into the joint.. I tried a bunch of different sprays including fluid film and grease was the only thing that worked and keeps working.. It's been over 2 years and counting..

 

Or if you want to fix it right, the I-shaft is 150 bucks, and there's only two bolts that hold it on.

 

Fix it right = get it working properly. Grease will do that just fine and doesn't cost $150.

 

Thanks guys, I'm gonna soak it in PB blaster and wire brush the rust off then pack it with my marine waterproof grease I use on my boat

 

After the PB and wire brush I'd probably clean it up really well with brake cleaner before putting the grease on so the grease is unimpeded.

 

Had exactly the same problem with the steering also..felt like it was sticking, then releasing...very hard to turn properly.
Sprayed the Uv joints, left for a while...steering was good as new.

 

responded to wrong thread, ignore