Steering wheel spongy at full lock left and right

[Jnanabase]

I tend to test things out to see how sturdy they are or whatever, and I moved the steering wheel all the way to the left and right and it's spongy at the end. I put some pretty strong pressure further after the "end" and it's still just spongy feeling. I didn't know if that is intentional to prevent damage or what. I appreciate any response, I don't want to damage the steering column or any of it's components, it's a battle with obsessive compulsive disorder. It doesn't have any play and it doesn't feel loose. Thanks

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[D Fresh]

Not sure what you mean by spongy. But if there are no clicks or knocks you're probably good. Perhaps share a quick video?

Also, not a good idea for the sake of your power steering pump to hold your wheel at full lock for long periods of time.

 

[RedDakooter05]

Not quite sure what you mean, but it's probably intentional?
My steering wheel is pretty consistent through out the rotations in both directions.

 

[Cabose-1]

@D Fresh we have electric steering. No steering pump. But my steering feels pretty solid at full turn.

 

[Jnanabase]

Not sure what you mean by spongy. But if there are no clicks or knocks you're probably good. Perhaps share a quick video?

Also, not a good idea for the sake of your power steering pump to hold your wheel at full lock for long periods of time.

Yeah I don't hear anything, I was curious if you can damage or loosen the steering column, or another component. You can tell it's the end of the turn because it's a bit stiff, then you can push it further and it feels spongy, no definite end to the wheel travel, no other way to describe it really, thanks

 

[D Fresh]

@D Fresh we have electric steering. No steering pump. But my steering feels pretty solid at full turn.

I knew that. But sometimes my brain gets stuck a decade or two back.

I just remember having to be diligent about dialing back a degree or two from full lock while doing donuts to avoid pump failure!

Probably still a good idea to not hold it there for extended periods of time.

I get a little "squish," right at lock. But nothing that feels abnormal to me.

I will say that if the OP is concerned he should have it looked at. Especially if there's been any work done to it. Something might not have got back together right and steering is pretty critical.

 

[Jnanabase]

I knew that. But sometimes my brain gets stuck a decade or two back.

I just remember having to be diligent about dialing back a degree or two from full lock while doing donuts to avoid pump failure!

Probably still a good idea to not hold it there for extended periods of time.

I get a little "squish," right at lock. But nothing that feels abnormal to me.

I will say that if the OP is concerned he should have it looked at. Especially if there's been any work done to it. Something might not have got back together right and steering is pretty critical.

Thanks a lot, I'm not concerned, I just overthink pretty much everything, it feels sturdy and spongy simultaneously, but I just wonder if I could cause any damage by turning the wheel too hard.

 

[Jnanabase]

Not quite sure what you mean, but it's probably intentional?
My steering wheel is pretty consistent through out the rotations in both directions.

Yeah, it's just an interesting feeling for it to not be definite at the ends.

 

[D Fresh]

Yeah I don't hear anything, I was curious if you can damage or loosen the steering column, or another component. You can tell it's the end of the turn because it's a bit stiff, then you can push it further and it feels spongy, no definite end to the wheel travel, no other way to describe it really, thanks

This is what mine looks like at lock. Pretty similar to what you're describing.

My "professional" opinion is it's fine, but like I said if you're concerned, get it checked out.

 

[Progeny2021]

Thanks a lot, I'm not concerned, I just overthink pretty much everything, it feels sturdy and spongy simultaneously, but I just wonder if I could cause any damage by turning the wheel too hard.

I don't recall you stating if your Ranger's tires/suspension was stock, modded, lifted , oversize tires/wheels, etc.

That being said, my steering felt really 'funny' one day...

 

[Jnanabase]

This is what mine looks like at lock. Pretty similar to what you're describing.

My "professional" opinion is it's fine, but like I said if you're concerned, get it checked out.

Yes that's exactly it, thanks for doing a video so I didn't have to lol. I just test things too much.

 

[Jnanabase]

I don't recall you stating if your Ranger's tires/suspension was stock, modded, lifted , oversize tires/wheels, etc.

That being said, my steering felt really 'funny' one day...

It's stock suspension lol

 

[Progeny2021]

This is what mine looks like at lock. Pretty similar to what you're describing.

My "professional" opinion is it's fine, but like I said if you're concerned, get it checked out.

Dang near out of fuel too. At least you won't have to get in line at a charging station....

 

[Jnanabase]

I tend to test things out to see how sturdy they are or whatever, and I moved the steering wheel all the way to the left and right and it's spongy at the end. I put some pretty strong pressure further after the "end" and it's still just spongy feeling. I didn't know if that is intentional to prevent damage or what. I appreciate any response, I don't want to damage the steering column or any of it's components, it's a battle with obsessive compulsive disorder. It doesn't have any play and it doesn't feel loose. Thanks

Thanks for all these replies!

 

[D Fresh]

Yes that's exactly it, thanks for doing a video so I didn't have to lol. I just test things too much.

I get it. I'm the guy who's brain is thinking "I wonder what this does" as I'm already pushing the button.

Dang near out of fuel too. At least you won't have to get in line at a charging station....

Yep.

Still enjoying the gas wars on my commute to work.

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/anybody-seen-premium-cheaper-than-this.20886/

I'll be topping off on my way in tonight. Should read about 25 till empty when I do, which is about as low as I like to let it go.

Guessing I'll be paying $3.60ish/gallon for premium tonight. Not too shabby.

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