Is this normal? ( steering related 2011 4.6 )

[Jerziboi]

I just noticed this recently, when driving at highway speeds my steering wheel is tight if I try to change lanes quickly ...when stopped the wheel turns freely or normal when driving around town the steering is normal, but at highway speeds if I make an aggressive lane change it takes more effort to turn the steering wheel it actually tightens up...is this normal? Thanks!

 

[Mark_888]

Doesn't sound normal. Modern cars typically have variable power steering with more assist provided when the car is traveling at low speeds, but sounds like yours is not working properly. First, see if you can check your power steering fluid (although since the 4.6 had a hybrid electric and hydraulic system, so I am not 100% it has power steering fluid). Check your owner's manual.

 

[GarnetTy1473]

Pretty sure that is normal. Would help prevent any sudden/excessive movements of the wheel at higher speeds which could potentially cause an accident.

 

[lt2211]

Pretty sure that is normal. Would help prevent any sudden/excessive movements of the wheel at higher speeds which could potentially cause an accident.

I think John is correct. Nothing worse than jerking the wheel at higher speeds. It may dampen sudden movement of the steering wheel, at highway speeds.

 

[EdP]

So we have votes for normal, votes for not normal. The OP says he just noticed it but no idea if he has had the car since new or just bought it last week. Since he has been here a while though, I'd guess he has had the car a while.

If it is something that did not happen before it could be something just starting to cause the more tension on the steering. I'd have a Genesis tech take a ride and check as none of us can feel if it is "normal".

 

[Mark_888]

I "may" change my vote. I didn't notice that OP said "aggressive" lane changes. No one should be making aggressive lane changes unless there is an emergency. That's why the steering assist at high speeds is much less than at low speeds. But hard to know if there is a problem without test driving the car.

 

[Jerziboi]

Update to OP after reading Mark888's post I checked the power steering fluid and low and behold it's low thanks Mark888!! The manual has 2 fluids one for EHPS Pentosin CHF 202 and without EHPS PSF -4 so I guess the 4.6 has Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering will pick up a bottle tomorrow

- - - Updated - - -

The aggressive lane change was to avoid a car merging onto the highway but he cut across the line way before he should and was also going too slow....happens all the time on NJ & NY highways

 

[justincheckin]

Just an FYI - Pentosin CH 202 with EHPS, and PSF-4 for non-EHPS (round reservoir)

 

[LarryK]

I have this car and I don't have this issue (steering wheel is the same at high speed or low)