Power Steering problems

[Stumpy McGrumpy]

Hi everyone! I have a 400 Chim and in the last few weeks found the steering going tight - have checked the air, added oil and checked power steering fluid and not sure what else might work - any ideas before I take it down the garage!

[CaptiV8ed]

I don't know how accessible it is, perhaps the bypass valve in the steering pump could be stuck open (or even partially). Dunno at the moment how you'd check that though......

I think where I'd go next would be to unbolt the track rod ends from the hub carriers and feel for stiffness in the balljoints with the steering out of the equation. This way, at least you'd isolate everything apart from the PAS system.

From Steve Heath's bible, possible causes of stiff / heavy steering:-

Seized track rod end or wishbone ball joint.
Incorrect wheels alignment.
Low tyre pressures.
Lack of lubricant in steering gear.
Sticky UJs on intermediate shaft.
Broken steering pump.
Broken steering pump belt.

Hope this helps.
Nick

[Cider Andy]

There's a joint in the steering column, visible in the offside wheelarch that collects all the weather. Check it has started to seize.