Power steering feels wrong

[Ireland]

I haven't been driving the car a lot for the last few weeks but tonight I thought the power steering felt wrong, as in, it feels a bit too heavy.

Should it feel as light as a "normal" car at slow speed (pulling out of the garage, etc) or is it meant to be heavier?

It is centering ok so I doubt if it is the rack.

The power steering pump seems to be pumping but I'm not sure if it is pumping fully.

When I start the car and have slight pressure on the steering wheel, it turns as soon as the engine starts running so this means the pump is working - yes?

I feel it might be a case of the fluid needing to be replaced, but that's why I'm asking on here first ......

Is it normal to have to flush out the old fluid and replace it regularly?

I doubt if it has ever been done.

Or is there something I'm missing here?

Thanks in advance

[Ireland]

Ok, a bit more info, a sort of an update.

I've just been out for a drive, about 10 miles or so, and the car was well warmed up before I went.

The steering was fine, even at slow speeds.

I think this may be pointing to fluid gone sludgy, perhaps?

[gazzab]

Maybe the UV joints need a clean?

[Ireland]

gazzab said:

Maybe the UV joints need a clean?

That's one I hadn't thought of.

Thanks.

It won't do any harm to do that anyhow so I'll do it over the next couple of evenings.

It still doesn't fully explain the steering getting better as the car got warmer, though.

[Ireland]

I've been trying to read the service manual but the print on the CD is very hard to read.

How often should the power steering fluid be changed normally?

[kojak]

Woodruff key?

[alinton]

If the PS is jerky or has 'stiff spots' or you're hearing a squeaking, chirping noise, it is the Woodruff Key that's sheared and the PS shaft is slipping where it enters the pump.

Then its a load of hassle to repair (engine has to be lifted off its mounts to change the key) or - better - you fit an electric pump.

I did that on my last cerb and the steering was better after the mod.

Unless you've got those symptoms JJ I doubt if its that though.

A.

[Ireland]

alinton said:

If the PS is jerky or has 'stiff spots' or you're hearing a squeaking, chirping noise, it is the Woodruff Key that's sheared and the PS shaft is slipping where it enters the pump.

Then its a load of hassle to repair (engine has to be lifted off its mounts to change the key) or - better - you fit an electric pump.

I did that on my last cerb and the steering was better after the mod.

Unless you've got those symptoms JJ I doubt if its that though.

A.

No, there's no noises and it felt constantly stiff when moving the car out.

It seemed fine once it warmed up.

Maybe I'm panicking over nothing.

Or perhaps I'm just waiting for the first big breakdown

[mark r skinner]

I had similar symptons last summer. Gave the UJ a good squirt and lube. Sorted.

[Ireland]

I think I'll lube it sooner rather than later.

I took it today when I was going to a meeting and it behaved perfectly so I'd (hopefully) say it's nothing too serious.

[Ireland]

I sprayed a load of WD-40 onto the UV's and it didn't make a huge difference as far as I can see.

It's still feeling a bit heavy and almost a bit jumpy at very slow speeds i.e. around the yard and in or out of the garage.

I'll keep playing ..............

[mark r skinner]

Ireland said:

I sprayed a load of WD-40 onto the UV's and it didn't make a huge difference as far as I can see.

It's still feeling a bit heavy and almost a bit jumpy at very slow speeds i.e. around the yard and in or out of the garage.

I'll keep playing ..............

Get someone to turn the wheel while you squirt! ( missus) Make sure it works itself right in....

*snigger*

[killerscum01]

I have a similar problem, so i looked at the PAS fluid and it's a horrible dark reddish black colour not a nice appetizing cherryade colour, so thats gonna be my first port of call,

[Ireland]

Back to the pit for a while this weekend, methinks.

[McNasty]

i dont meen to sound patranising but have you cheked the fluid and the pipes for a leak as i had the exact same problem 6 months ago, 3000 miles after a service (assuming the levels were topped then) went to check the level of fluid and found it nearly empty. i didn't have a leak so can only assume some kind of air lock when filled or replaced the last time.

[Ireland]

McNasty said:

i dont meen to sound patranising but have you cheked the fluid and the pipes for a leak as i had the exact same problem 6 months ago, 3000 miles after a service (assuming the levels were topped then) went to check the level of fluid and found it nearly empty. i didn't have a leak so can only assume some kind of air lock when filled or replaced the last time.

The level in the reservoir is spot on.

I was looking under the car earlier today and did notice the point where the steering column joins the rack looked damp, but this may also be down to the amount of spray I'd put on the UV joints running down along the column shaft.

There are no obvious leaks that I can see anywhere.