Discussion
Anyone able to help with problems with PAS. Last couple of weeks have developed a nasty wheezy whining (and the car) - particularly bad on full lock. Took a look in PAS fluid reservoir - looks a bit low and brown and frothy - mmmm lovely 
Have been noticing small fluid deposits under car after standing, assumed this was oil, but could be PAS fluid. Any ideas on likely cause of problem.
Have been noticing small fluid deposits under car after standing, assumed this was oil, but could be PAS fluid. Any ideas on likely cause of problem.Hi Popester. Your problem sounds exactly the same as the one I had on my Astra 16v GTE, before some little (or maybe big!) tyke stole and set fire to it earlier this year.
The problem was caused by a leaking power steering pump which was letting fluid out, and air into, the Power Steering system. The frothy bubbles in the reservoir are I believe caused by the pump running partially dry (ie without PAS fluid) and churning up air into the system.
As the effect of PAS was lost, the steering became rather heavier than normal but my car went on for a few months in this condition. It did require copious amounts of fluid to be added to retain the PAS, but never became undrivable.
The cure was going to be a new or recon PAS pump. I'm not sure if you can buy replacement seals. Unfortunately the theft of the car and subsequent fire rather overtook events somewhat. Hope you get it sorted without too much cost!
I now drive a non-pas '98 Chimaera.
Regards
Preston1990
The problem was caused by a leaking power steering pump which was letting fluid out, and air into, the Power Steering system. The frothy bubbles in the reservoir are I believe caused by the pump running partially dry (ie without PAS fluid) and churning up air into the system.
As the effect of PAS was lost, the steering became rather heavier than normal but my car went on for a few months in this condition. It did require copious amounts of fluid to be added to retain the PAS, but never became undrivable.
The cure was going to be a new or recon PAS pump. I'm not sure if you can buy replacement seals. Unfortunately the theft of the car and subsequent fire rather overtook events somewhat. Hope you get it sorted without too much cost!
I now drive a non-pas '98 Chimaera.
Regards
Preston1990
A wheezing on full lock is normal as the pump is pushing the steering but can't go anywhere. Virtually all cars do it. If you are getting this noise before full lock then there is a problem like low fluid. Try topping it up. The low fluid could be caused by a small leak.
As for the fluid, should be clear. Either it ha not been changed or you have some seals/pipework going which are discouluring the fluid. It's start looking for oily deposists on the pipework time!
A new pump is around 250 pnds ish. Should be able to get them reconned for less.
Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk
As for the fluid, should be clear. Either it ha not been changed or you have some seals/pipework going which are discouluring the fluid. It's start looking for oily deposists on the pipework time!
A new pump is around 250 pnds ish. Should be able to get them reconned for less.
Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk
Although it does make parking a bit more difficult - Just have to keep driving it then 
Had this problem earlier in the year. I thought it was low PAS fluid but there was a leak. If you look under the PAS unit there is a U bend with two joints. These joints do not always fit properly due to the size of the rubber tubing used. I had mine fixed by using some specialist hose from a company in Wallingford. No more leaks and all seems to be ok now.
Happy Christmas.
Happy Christmas.
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