Stiff turning I had recent work done on my 1995 Mecury Villager...New a/c unit, new battery, water pump,altenator. Father says it could have bad tie rods, and boots around CVC's are in need of replacing. Having trouble now when making turns...It's very stiff in the wheel and it takes alot to get it to turn...Any ideas as to what this could be?

You could be low on pwer steering fluid. CV joints won't affect steering. That is for powering the wheels.

Very important. Make sure shop did not overtighten a/c belt. If they did, you could be in danger of breaking your crankshaft snout. It may be a good idea to check that.

Also, did they tighten the power steering belt correctly?

Did this steering issue sstart after repairs

go here for help

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/villagerquest/

1. The tension for the water pump and power steering drive belt should measure 603-691 N (135-155 lbs) for a new drive belt, 495-583 N (110-130 lbs) for a used drive belt. The limit for drive belt tension is 196 N (44 lbs).
1. Adjust the water pump and power steering drive belt tension as follows:
2. Raise and support the vehicle.
3. Remove the RH front fender splash shield (16102).
4. Loosen the water pump and power steering pump drive belt idler pulley locknut.
   
5. Tighten the drive belt tension by turning the water pump and power steering pump drive belt idler pulley adjustment bolt counterclockwise.
   
   1. Tighten the water pump and power steering pump drive belt idler pulley locknut to 33-37 Nm (24-28 lb-ft).
   1. Install the RH front fender splash shield.
   Deflection Adjustment
   
1. NOTE: If the drive belt has been in service for some time, it should be inspected before adjustment. A drive belt that is severely glazed, frayed, cracked, or contaminated with oil must be replaced. Minor cracks in the back of the drive belt are acceptable as long as no large pieces are missing.
   
   Apply 98 N (22 lbs) of pressure to the drive belt at a point midway between the power steering pump pulley and the water pump pulley.
   
   1. NOTE: Always check the drive belt deflection when the engine is cold, or has been stopped for at least 30 minutes. A drive belt is considered new if it has been used on a running engine for less than five minutes.
      
      The drive belt deflection should measure 8-10mm (0.31-0.39 inch) for a new drive belt or 10-12mm (0.39-0.47 inch) for a used drive belt . The limit of deflection is 16.0mm (0.63 inch).
      
   1. If the drive belt deflection is not as specified, adjust the water pump and power steering pump drive belt tension. Refer to the procedure in this section.
      

1. The tension for the A/C compressor drive belt should measure 603-691 N (135-155 lbs) for a new drive belt or 495-583 N (110-130 lbs) for a used drive belt. The lower limit for drive belt tension is 196 N (44 lbs).
1. Adjust the A/C compressor drive belt tension as follows:
2. Loosen the A/C compressor drive belt idler pulley tensioner bolt.
3. Tighten the A/C compressor drive belt idler pulley adjustment bolt.