FIGHTING THE STEERING

[marcus1970]

Another prob!!!!!
The steering is so bloody heavy that I'm actually having difficulty turning corners and having near missses steering out the way of parked cars. Go to turn the steering wheel and it feels like its completely locked until loads of pressure is applied - and I mean LOADS!!! Steering a tank springs to mind!
Any ideas - getting hacked off now!
MB

[Steve_T]

Could it be that your power steering pump has gone or there's insuffficient fluid in the system? IIRC the woodruffe (sp?) key is on the small side and can fail, resulting in no drive to the pump. Options are either to repair or replace the PS system with an electrically powered pump. I hope your problem has a cheap solution.

Steve.

[olly]

Could be a joint has virtually seized in the steering column & just needs a liberal amount of grease (can't remember which it is, but I'm sure a search will bring it up - several people had the issue a while ago)

A few threads just found after a quick search reveals low fluid & steering UJ

http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.
http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.
http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.

Edited by olly on Monday 5th June 17:23

[morebeanz]

I had this. Steering UJ behind the front drivers side wheel pickes up a load of crud and salt (after winter). Good idea to start with by giving it a good clean and grease for summer!

This, of course, is the lightweight cheap problem!

[marcus1970]

Cheers for the threads - still want to try and pinpoint it a little more so that I can have a good idea of what it might cost. I've checked the Power Steering fluid and its pretty much full. the other symptom is that it doesn't seem to want to centre on its own - threads seem to suggest CV joint?
Also its suddenly come on - one day fine next bloody stiff as rigamortis - not sure on spelling!
MB

Edited by marcus1970 on Monday 5th June 18:13

[simonsparrow]

Sounds like the PAS pump. If you look down past the drivers side exhaust manifold, you can see the shaft that drives it (its the 3rd 'stage' of the oil/water/PAS pump)this should spin with the engine running. If it doesn't then you'll have no fluid pressure and heavy steering.


Have search through past threads on PAS for more info.