Tyres, wheel alignment, power steering

Hi all

At 30,000 kms after lots of good times in the Kimberleys we put BFG ATs on our NP DiD Pajero with full alignment and balance. Last January I did a wheel rotation (back to front, front to back) at approx 40,000 kms and had a wheel alignment done at the local Bob Jane. Soon after a light hissing sound developed when the steering wheel was at top centre. Also, the steering wheel feels heavy and tends to offset to the left as we drive.

I have had 2 opinions. In Adelaide last month a Mitsubishi dealer said it was the power steering pump. This is integrated into the rack + pinion steering and a part under warranty is needed. Needs to come from Japan and will cost around $2,500 and take 3 months to get on order. They did a wheel alignment to centre the steering wheel - another $70 on top of an expensive 45,000 ks service.

So back to NSW to our new place and a visit to the local NSW Southern Highlands hybrid new car place that sells everything including Mitsubishis. Their mechanic says the BFGs are so aggressive on the highway they affect the handling and put lots of strain on the steering gear. He can hear and feel the hiss but won't do anything until I get another wheel alignment done and he sees the "before and after" readings from the tyre technician.

Does this sound reasonable to you guys? Anyone have any similar experience? Any ideas, please, on how to get a good result out of this?

Thanks and best wishes, RayJen