What is wrong with the car if the steering wheel moves a lot but the wheels move a little?

My girlfriends ford escort has a steering problem. When she turns the steering wheel in a directio, at first it does nothing but then it catches and the wheels move. What Is wrong with the car and would i be able to fix it. I have a little experience with cars (BMW's) but am not sure about the Fords and dont want to have to waist money. Thanx!!!

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7 Responses to “What is wrong with the car if the steering wheel moves a lot but the wheels move a little?”

  1. Dany W Says:

    what you need to check is the rag joint located just above the rack and pinnion it connects the sterring shaft to the rack .after time and the heat this joint becomes torn and shreded.if you are good with basic hand tools this part can be replaced with a replacement part from any parts house for under twenty dollars or you can get a factory replacement from the dealer for three times as much.have replaced them on mustangs tempos and ofcorse escorts check that first.
    the wheel will turn about two inches because of the lack of matreal in the joint replacing it will return the quick steering that you crave. good luck

  2. K&K Says:

    steering rack; or tie rods are the most probable..

  3. threedogs333 Says:

    rack and pinion steering may be worn out, whole unit drops out from underneath, buy new unit put back in if power steer possibly pump gone.

  4. jane h Says:

    DANGER DANGER AND DANGER

  5. hap8983 Says:

    Check the shaft of your steering colomn, if thats okay it is possible your rack and pinion is bad. Is there fluid in the power steering pump? My escort leaks fluid out the end of the rack so I have to keep it full or it starts to act up.

  6. james p Says:

    First check the power steering fluid if that don’t work ,some older cars have an adjustment on the steering box it should be on top of the steering box ! you will need a flat screwdriver & a 7.1/16 or 1/2" wrench losen the nut and tighten the screw as needed ,retighten the nut. not sure if this applys to your car but it’s worth a look . good luck!

  7. fpaulk1 Says:

    Dany W has the right and most probable answer.

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