Tyres, wheel alignment, power steering

Submitted: Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 19:30
ThreadID: 45065 Views:3231 Replies:2 FollowUps:0
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Hi all

At 30,000 kms after lots of good times in the Kimberleys we put BFG ATs on our NP DiD Pajero with full alignment and balance. Last January I did a wheel rotation (back to front, front to back) at approx 40,000 kms and had a wheel alignment done at the local Bob Jane. Soon after a light hissing sound developed when the steering wheel was at top centre. Also, the steering wheel feels heavy and tends to offset to the left as we drive.

I have had 2 opinions. In Adelaide last month a Mitsubishi dealer said it was the power steering pump. This is integrated into the rack + pinion steering and a part under warranty is needed. Needs to come from Japan and will cost around $2,500 and take 3 months to get on order. They did a wheel alignment to centre the steering wheel - another $70 on top of an expensive 45,000 ks service.

So back to NSW to our new place and a visit to the local NSW Southern Highlands hybrid new car place that sells everything including Mitsubishis. Their mechanic says the BFGs are so aggressive on the highway they affect the handling and put lots of strain on the steering gear. He can hear and feel the hiss but won't do anything until I get another wheel alignment done and he sees the "before and after" readings from the tyre technician.

Does this sound reasonable to you guys? Anyone have any similar experience? Any ideas, please, on how to get a good result out of this?

Thanks and best wishes, RayJen
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Reply By: Member - DAZA (QLD) - Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 20:47

Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 20:47
Hi Ray Jen

We had a similar problem with the wifes Range Rover, it had 75ks on the
speedo when, we noticed a labouring noise comming from the power steering,
The Range Rover experts made comment re the BFG,S .that were on the car,
They repaired the power steering pump ect, and replaced all the drive belts,
shortly after, we were on a trip in the middle of know where, when the
Viscous Coupling exploded, bits of the fan blades went through the radiator,
and the bonnet, hence we had a long wait for help,finally we had it repaired
and got rid of the POMMY HEEP OF CRAP.

Cheers
Daza
AnswerID: 237751

Reply By: Member - Nick (TAS) - Friday, May 04, 2007 at 08:06

Friday, May 04, 2007 at 08:06
Gday guys, maybe you should have had more aggressive tyres on when you were out the back of Halls Creek last year.May not have got stuck(close enough to).LOL
I wouldnt call BFG A/T's a real aggressive tyre.
Hope you sort it out.
AnswerID: 237823

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