Mopar Muscle Association UK

The power steering is very stiff on my Duster, any ideas on what to look for? I've had cars with power steering before but never had an issue, so it's a new problem to me.
cheers Mick

Check the fluid is correct first.

Lift wheels off the ground and see if is eay to turn then.
Possible the pump has been changes and isn't powerful enough for the box.

I jacked the front up today,checked the fluid , tightened the belt a little, took the cap off, turned the steering wheel lock to lock a number of times to get any air out the systembut it's still the same. According to my Dart haynes manual, to adjust you break the pitman arm away from the centre link, centre the steering, crack the adjuster loose untill there's a bit of backlash when lifting the pitman arm up and down, then tighten untill it dissapears, then go a further 3/8 to 1/2 a turn.
The box doesn't look old enough to be the original but maybe it is ?
With all due respect Anton, why would somebody fit the wrong pump ?
Mick

Was it essy to turn lock to lock when jacked up mick?
Has it just gone stiff or always stiff?
The pump may knackered and not pushing the fluid at enough flow rate and pressure, also the hoses to the box are ok? Rubber hoses can collapse inside and reduce flow just like brake flex hoses do when old or if been clamped off while changing the box. Shaun

The pumps have a pressure release valve build in the back of the pump and when they match a pump and box together they change the amount of washers on the pressure release springs to get the right feel at the wheel depending on the car its going on.
On a big C body the steering need a little more pressure and on a light A body they need a little less. Some people play with this pressure release valve to stiffen there steering up a bit.

Have you check that someone hasn't over tightened the pitman arm interlocking adjust too much which is causing the steering to bind up. With the wheel off the ground is the steering still stiff yes or no?

No, steering isn't stiff when off the ground.
Do you think the above adjustment might cure it ?