Electric power steering pump

[Cats]

I have lost the power steering on a couple of occasions. Whipped bonnet off and had a wiggle around at the connections to the pump and hey presto it fires back into life. Lubed up the connections and all seemed fine until yesterday.
Bonnet off again and find that the relay next to the pump connections seems to be the culprit. If I tap it the pump fires up and all is tickedyboo!!
Switch off and fire up again and the pump is not working until I tap the relay.
It sounds like the relay is at fault but I was wondering if anybody else has suffered any similar issues with the later power steering set up.
Could it be the supply to the relay that may be the culprit?
Also should the pump run with just the ignition on or does it only run with the engine running?
TIA

[Andy Pandie]

Neil,

Not had a problem with mine, but sounds like you have a sticky relay. As they are under £25 may be worth grabbing another one and giving it a go? TVR Part No.M1714. Despite being electric, my power steering doesn't come on until the engine is running either.

Hope you get sorted

Cheers

Andy 'P'

[truck71]

PS relays on mk2 tuscans are a known issue, worth carrying a spare one; as stated they are cheap and can save a recovery.

Cheers.

[Cats]

Thanks fellas
I'll give it a go. It looks like the relay is off a Citroen Saxo. Just got a new one off Fleabay for £15.00!
Excellent

[glow worm]

I've had four fail on me .. replaced it a 45 amp relay (IIRC) and got it moved to inside the passenger footwell...no problems since
The Citroen one is cheap and nasty and the contacts get pitted.

Edited by glow worm on Sunday 4th March 18:13

[Cats]

Thanks Keith
The Citroen relay is a 45A unit but I guessed cheap and nasty. Did you do the mod of moving the relay inside yourself or can you recommend someone that could do it?
I'll give it a another chance and if I have the number of failures that you have then something will have to be sorted!! Erm hinged bonnet seems a bit ott but will have other benefits I suppose

[glow worm]

Just read previous threads it was a 70 Amp or 75 Amp I replaced it with.
X-Works (KIrkham ex TVR lads) replaced the PAS wiring for me making a much tidier job, Graham Varley suggested it me. PAS wiring loom cost me £30 , the relay £9 , and 6 hours time (which also included changing all the oil hoses for braided ones..all excluding VAT), so not too expensive a mod.

Part of my collection of faulty Citroen "non waterproof " relays .

Edited by glow worm on Monday 5th March 12:49

[NCE 61]

The up-rated relay (70 Amps) I fitted some years ago is a Renault item part No 8200253922, although rather than moving the relay I fitted the new internals in the existing weather proof case and have had no problems since.

[Cats]

[Cats]

Citroen Part arrived and fitted. All working ok.
The old unit doesn't appear to be damp or rusty so I assume that the main cause for concern is probably that it may be a little under rated for the pump.
Does anyone know what the pump is rated at??
It looks like a 75A relay may be the best option.
The Citroen part number is C6555VL and costs £12.95 + VAT