power assisted steering probs

[Byff]

My pas feels like it's not working - feels exactly the same with engine off and on.

I've checked the u/j's and they feel ok, there's no play in them. However, the feeling is as if a u/j has gone, easy to turn until you hit a knuckle, tight, then frees off again. I'm still not convinced though.

The pas pump's shaft is turning, but what bit can you check to see if the actual pump is turning? Is the pump to the front or rear on the shaft because the front thing has got a plate cover over the end and the rear thing is inaccessible? It's a 97 4.2 BTW.

Prior to this happening, the steering would give out a little moan every now and again and there was a slight smell of ATF

I've got the sneaky suspicion the woodruff key has sheared but I want to be certain.

[kojak]

It sounds to me as though it could be the woodruff key. Not sure how you check it though.

[Byff]

How many ponies does the pas consume? Even with dodgy steering, I can still drive it but by heck, it bloody flies now!

It spins the wheels even when changing up into third - in the dry. When you get traction, it nearly snaps your neck!