Hello My 1996 discoverys steering is very very stiff especially when turning right. This problem dissappears soon after the vehicle starts to move. The problem started two days ago. steering fluid level is fine Thank you Christopher

hi Justine.
There some moments when the steering wheelbecomes stiff and hard to turn. From irregular servicing, lack of fluid oil to low tyre pressure or bad wheelalignment, any of these could be the cause. ... Under normal circumstances when the car is in good condition, the steering wheel is always flexible when turning.11 Sep 2014

What makes the steering wheel stiff? - Daily Monitor

www.monitor.co.ug/Business/Auto/What-makes-the-steering-wheel-stiff-/.../index.html
try this link.
Why Is My Steering Wheel Hard To Turn
or this.
3 Common Causes of Steering Wheel Hard to Turn Especially at Low Speeds...
or this one.
What causes steering wheel hard to turn

Are you sure the problem is not the water pump?

Check the drive belt to the power steering pump and the level of fluid in the power steering reservoir.

Hi Their,here's a Autzone repair guide on replacing your ignition cylinder. Repair Guides Steering Ignition Lock Cylinder AutoZone com

no noise when turning and stiff steering is usually narrowed down to 2 things. a bad power steering pump or bad rack and pinion assembly. the rack and pinion is most of the time leaking fluid when it is bad, but you stated the fluid is good. I suggest to remove the power steering reservoir cap , start the engine and look inside the reservoir. the fluid should be swirling if the pump is working especially when turning the steering wheel. if the fluid isn' t moving then the pump is most likely bad.

Check the hoses are not closed up and causing a restriction also check the relief valve.

Hiya,

This could be any number of problems, but first try twisting the steering wheel in either direction, as most modern vehicles are fitted with steering wheel locks and require you to turn the steering wheel by a set distance, then turning the key in order to release the lock and start the engine.

It could also be a warped, distorted, bent or damaged key. If you can remove the ket intact then I would advise to do so, then to take the key to either an approved locksmith so that you can have the key re-fabricated, or better still to a Volvo approved dealership.

Note: Taking any problem to an approved dealership might incur massive charges, so often going elsewhere is sometimes the best answer, unless of course the issue requires a dealership.

The next problem could be if the locking system is supported electronically. Then I would start to investigate your fusebox and the direct wiring to the ignition and lock system. However, this to me does sound like a mechanical issue, and it is here where I would investigate first.

So turn the steering wheel, or move it slightly with one hand, and the opposite hand shoukld be attempting to turn the ignition key.

N.B.

A broken steering lock can cause this to happen, especially if somebody has tried to steal the vehicle, or too much force has been applied to the lock. Reason.... its exactly what it is meant to do, prevent a vehicle from being moved unlawfully. A collapsable lock is the best way to achieve this especially if the steering lock also locks the ignition barrel. The only way around this would be to remove the entire locking system from the undwerside of the steering wheel.

I hope this is the fixya for you and I look forward to hearing from you soon

Yours sincerely

Oz

hello

you've got to jack the vehicle up and rock the tire/wheel assembly back and forth from right to left, as if being turned by the steering wheel while you look to see which joints are loose. if there's clunking, it will be very loose and obvious just by looking. sometimes though you've got to put your hand on the joint to feel for play.

Most cars Speedometer cable connect to one of the front wheels, but you said your speedometer sometimes stop then your steering wheel will go stiff, I think you should fix or change your speedometer cable, maybe the cable broken inside. Fix it as soon as possible for your safety.

Speedometer cable has two parts, one is outside cable, mounted and connect to both speedometer and wheel.

The other one is an inside steel cable, outside cable protects the inside cable, because the inside cable turns as soon as you move the car. It is directly connect to the wheel gears and the speedometer inside.

If your car has speedometer cable, I think you need check it right away.

Your steering wheel sometimes stiff, you also need to check your power steering fluid level, sometimes cause this kind problem.

Hope this can help you and if you have more questions, please use whatever the Fixya allowed, contact me to discuss this matter and others. Thank you.