Greetings fellow xA owners. Just got my new 06 baout 2 weeks ago. It's a great little commute car but I have noticed something about the power steering since day 1.

When the engine is running but the car is not moving, it feels as if there is no power steering at all. The wheel is very hard to turn, getting harder the more you try to turn. However, as soon as the car is in motion, even at like <5 mph the steering becomes light as it should be. Engine rpm does not seem to mater, I’ve already tried to put it in neutral and rev up the rpm to 1-2k, no change.

Wondering if any of you seasoned owners have seen this problem and if indeed it is a problem.

Thanks

 

bring it to the dealer

 

soudns normal to me all of my power staringcars except the mercedes bends are like that

 

Compare the stopped effort with engine running to the stopped effort with the engine off. If it's the same, contact your dealer.

Modern power assist will always have a bit more resistance than the old pre-1980's Detroit boats had, where you could spin the wheel with your pinky.

 

I just went and tried what you described with the car in park and the engine running mine goes lock to lock with no binding at all. Smooth as when im driving. Oh yah, Welcome to the club!

 

UPDATE.

Did suggested test with engine off and running, no difference in force required to turn the wheel. So it was off to the dealer. The diagnosed it as "sticking floor control valves" and fixed it the same day. Now smooth as silk . Much easier to park the car.

Thank you all for your help.