Intermittent Power Steering

[philip_cooke]

Just recently (well as of Saturday actually) I have noticed that the power steering assistance on my Tuscan seems to come and go. One minute the steering feels heavy, the next it feels light, or more correctly, normal. I've checked the power steering fluid level - all fine there, plenty of fluid. The only thing I can think of is if the power steering pump is on the way out or if there is a blockage somewhere. Anyone else experienced this? It doesn't make it impossible to drive, just not as friendly - certainly doesn't prevent me from enjoying myself. It will probably need to wait until the next service anyway (October/November) before it gets looked at as I can't do without the car as it's my daily drive at the moment. So anyone any ideas please?

[P6 TUS]

I have the same problem, but sadly no solution.

[basil brush]

Have you checked the belt from the jack shaft to the pump to make sure it's tight? You can see it through the driver side wheel arch I think.

[andyvdg]

Happened with my car at Le Mans this year. Drove home, fluid seemed low but no obvious leaks at that point. After topping up some fluid was dropping onto the floor of the garage. Needed the rack to be rebuilt, seals had gone.

Cheers,

Andy.

[Mustang Baz]

andyvdg said:

Happened with my car at Le Mans this year. Drove home, fluid seemed low but no obvious leaks at that point. After topping up some fluid was dropping onto the floor of the garage. Needed the rack to be rebuilt, seals had gone.

Cheers,

Andy.

Interesting - exactly the same issue (failed seal inside the steering rack) for me regrettably, after the car lost app 1 litre of topped up fluid in a 30 mile journey! Thankfully - journey was to Racing Green, where it now resides and I am looking at 1week or more for either parts or new rack. Martin on the case, but I don't deny this is worrying given the sad news last week, the shutdown this week, and the endless ongoing concerns about spares over the past couple of years!

Has your fix/rebuild continued without any issues and how long did it take Andy? Anyone else had this issue recently on a Mk 1?

[andyvdg]

I think it took about a week to fix at the factory. I haven't had any problem since (about 4 months).

Cheers,

Andy.

Edited by andyvdg on Wednesday 25th October 00:10