Heavy steering - PAS

[debaron]

Hi all.

Just noticed that today when I took the car out, the steering has got a little heavier than normal. Also the steering wheel doesn't ping back to it's normal position when straightening up (like it used to) from a corner and it feels like the car still wants to carry on turning! I have to heave it back straight somewhat to avoid going into a car/wall/hedge

This leads me to think the PAS pump has had it - but I did recently fit some aftermarket ARB drop links. Is it possible these could be causing the odd cornering in some way?


Ryan

[JonathanT]

is it possible that your steering UJs are seized instead? I didn't think that PAS had anything to do with steering self centering (non PAS will do this too).

[bobfather]

Agreed, the UJ's would be my first guess. Is the 'stickiness' lumpy when turning the wheel?

[MPoxon]

Agreed.

Mine went all stiff and lumpy and it ended up being UJs. From memory the upper one was knacked and the lower one was on its way out so both were replaced.

[debaron]

Thanks guys, just given the UJ's an appointment with the WD-40 just going for a test drive will let you know.

The UJ's did have a little play in them when I got the car but this has happened suddenly so I would be surprised if it was wear.

Cheers


Ryan

[Simon says]

If you already have movement in them then what seals the little bearings have become breached and in goes the moisture to do its best work

[JonathanT]

Don't forget that WD-40 is a water displacer, not a lubricant. You'll need to get something like grease in there, I've used some bike drylube on mine and that seems to be working ok.

[Simon says]

This kind of thing and regular http://www.nielsencdg.co.uk/acatalog/Castrol_Chain... or my preference http://www.wurth.co.uk/catalogue/pdfs/UK-CD_07_000... trouble is if yours are seizing then they are already past it

[debaron]

Well I gave it a good lube up and it's much better....BUT the fluid in the PAS reservoir looks very silvery

Pump is probably getting quite worn - I'll stick it on the list of stuff to do


Thanks for all the advice guys