Hi, I'm looking at the option to lighten the steering on my '04 3.0 x350. Kinda like Fiats city button that lightens steering. It's for the old man with arthritis. The x350 seems to be hydraulic but variable using electric solenoid on the steering rack which changes due to speed. Could anyone please explain in more detail how the system works please? And in your opinion what would be the easiest way to lighten the steering? Power steering specialist can change the rack but will cost £1,900, more than the car is worth!

 

Do not know what your steering feels like. Mine is very light already. Would not want less road feel.
One item I always recommend to owners of older cars is to flush the reservoir multiple times with fresh fluid. Drive a little between to circulate the fluid. Two flushes should get it to almost complete fluid change.
I vacuum mine. Use a MiteyVac. Change the oil, differential, supercharger, and power steering fluids this way.
I think the vintage of ATF used in the power steering is not critical. I use a Dex III, but a later version most likely works just as well. Or better.

 

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Sorry, Burl Walnut?

 

My father was in Law Enforcement. He referred to these as “Suicide Knobs”. Assume it was from post accident investigations.
It has been over 50 years since I rode in a car with one. Pre power steering and airbags.

 

Yes but...Priorities!
"Since the knobs allow the driver to steer with only one hand, the term necker came about because it leaves one arm free to be wrapped around one’s date in the passenger seat".
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Anyway, I'd do it if necessary. I do have what I s'pose is arthritis (can only open my fingers to 90deg), but doesn't affect gripping a steering wheel at this stage, and no loss of strength.
It's not clear if it's illegal, might depend on jurisdiction. Besides at an age like mine (70), what they gonna do? Send me off with an unpaid ticket?
(My father drove until 98, so there's some genetic hope for me)(so long as I wear a hat, you know, beware of old men wearing hats)
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If you "modify" a car such as power steering, you could be equally liable insurance-wise.

 

Never used a steering knob,remember riding in a few miles with them as a child. Usually spinning the steering wheel real fast.
The legality is a good question. Real up and there is mention of the safety issues and it being illegal.
Sounds about right. Here in Texas a person of dubious intentions can grocery shop, go to a bar, or walk down the street with a machine gun strapped to their back and a six gun on each hip. The spinner knob is too dangerous.

 

The steering on my 2008 XJ VDP tightened up about a year ago, admittedly at pretty high mileage (175,000).
Turned out one of the knuckles in the lower steering shaft - sort of a mini u joint - partially seized up.
Apparently due to a poor design that area of the steering is subject to a lot of road splash so it lives in a pretty harsh environment.
Of course the knuckle itself is not separately replaceable so after a new lower shaft replacement all is well with my steering.
Light at slow speeds and tightens up nicely at higher speeds just like they designed it.