Power Steering not working

[Stupeo]

I have a 1994 Ford Transit 120 SWB that i use for the motorbikes at weekends. Its petrol btw. The only real problem i have with it, is its really really hard to turn the steering wheel, even when empty.

Im pretty sure it has power steering as theirs a big circle drum and a fluid resovoir with a little picture on it that is like a H with wheels on each corner.

How can i diagnose why the power steering isnt working? I wouldnt know where to start as im not sure how they even work?

Also, does anyone know where i can get hold of a workshop manual?

Thanks,

Matt.

[annodomini2]

Haynes manual will cover it, Halfords and the like stock them.

[phumy]

Is there a belt fitted to the power steering pump?

If not then that could well be your problem

[Stupeo]

phumy, where should i be looking to see if there is a belt fitted?

Matt

[phumy]

If you have a steering pump fitted, then normally it will be near to the front of the engine if it is an in-line engine (front to back) or on the right or left side of the engine bay if it is transverse (side to side). It will have a pully wheel attached to it, if you can see some thing with a pulley wheel with no belt connected to it then that is you culprit. If all the pulley wheels in you engine bay have belts going round them then it is connected.

Maybe if you can see the steering rack, then if it has hydraulic pipes/hoses attached it has power steering. If when you find it there are no pipes attahed then it does not have power steering and that is the reason for heavy steering at slow speeds.

Sorry i can not help you any more

Good luck

[oakdale]

I'm fairly sure this will have power steering. With the engine warm but turned off, gently try to turn the wheel and start the engine at the same time, you will then feel if it's working.

[oakdale]

Just had a thought, these can suffer from seized lower ball joints.