Have a '05 STS4 that I love. The power steering at stop or near dead stop seems like it is straining until you start to pick up speed. Seems as if the power steering is set for the rear wheel drive cars but the AWD front axle weight throws it for a loop. Just a guess. Anything known about this?
Also the tranny is quite clunky at times, it seems almost a little hesitant to upshift sometimes. The tranny just feels slow witted at times. The irony is that when your really into in sport mode it is the best auto tranny I have ever been behind.
I would let these things go but I had the ability to drive a rear wheel drive STS for 500 miles before buying this AWD unit. The rear driver had no such qualms. Any help would be grateful. No I have not taken the car in. I only take a car to the dealership unless it is a must. Car has 3k miles on it.

Thanks!

My RWD STS exhibits none of the effects mentioned. I did not want AWD because of the added weight, lack of need in this area, added complexity, poor gas mileage, gas guzzler tax, etc. Do other AWD owners have a similar experience?

Well Blue Chip if you wanted a real performed you should of gotten the STS W/V6. It has almost perfect weight distribution.

The trans do have coast clutches installed in the vehicle which causes additional drag on the transmission when in sport mode to give it that manual feel. If you are having hesitations that can be felt in normal mode. You might want to take it to the dealer.