2003 Steering Reservoir: Filter or screen?

[Montego Murph]

I've noticed recently that my steering feels a little "heavy." I don't think it's the intermediate shaft since it's not a "lumpy" intermittent feeling.

Tire pressure is ok, might even be a little on the high side. Fluid is ATF, flushed and replaced last fall, level is good.

I did a little snooping and learned that the 3rd gen has a filter of some sort in the reservoir that gets gunked up over time, but I can't find confirmation whether or not the 4th gen has this.

Can anyone shed some light or give me other things to check out?

Thanks much

 

[JeremyBentley]

Did you ever figure out why your steering was heavy? Same issue on an 03 I just got.

 

[Montego Murph]

I did -- turns out it's the famous steering joint.

The "heavy" feeling escalated to where the steering wheel would be "sticky" at quarter or half turns (can't remember.) I bought a new joint and have it waiting to install - but haven't yet. I hit the whole steering joint area with Deep Creep in anticipation of doing the job, and I guess the lube deep-crept into the joint and must have reactivated the dried up grease because it's been flawless ever since I did that. I do know I'm on borrowed time though and need to get it done.