Aboliga

Can someone help? I got my 04 G Wagon in June and I have been enjoying it but I noticed from the onset that the steering wheel was pretty tight. Is this normal or should I have it checked out? Thanks.

ItalianJoe1

G wagons drive like big trucks, what's your idea of a "tight" wheel? It feels like crap because it's 1950s suspension with recirculating ball steering. We get brand new ones with chatter in the steering system and it's "normal"

Aboliga

Ok thanks. So nothing can be done to loosen it? Literally need both hands to turn the wheel

ItalianJoe1

Compare it to another G? I'm not a small guy and it takes effort to turn the wheel. You're essentially driving a 50 year old box truck, when it comes to the front end. Part of the G wagon 'charm'

Floobydust

I can turn the wheel of my 2003 (albeit with effort) with just one finger while parked and certainly while driving. If the stiffness is only while the truck is parked, then I would suspect that you are not getting enough hydraulic assist from the power steering system. Check the power steering fluid level and check for leaks in the system. If the stiffness occurs both while driving and while parked, I would suspect an issue with the steering linkage. This could be adjustment of the steering box pre-load, a binding ball joint, or perhaps even an issue with the front axle pivot bearings.