So I removed the plastic shroud under the front bonnet, to get at the PS reservoir - fluid's as black as midnight in a mine shaft, so I'm hoping changing / flushing that might cure the sludgy steering.
Now I'm thinking is there any point putting the shroud back on? Does it serve any useful purpose, other than aesthetics?
@ruud2boyI'm guessing that several of the shroud retaining clips broke when you removed it!
There are many close matches on the www/ebay and are not too expensive, refitting would mean that you do not have to store the shroud.
As to purpose other than aesthetics I know not, but would think not.
PS
Assuming all is well mechanically with the steering then hopefully the obvious tyre pressure has not been overlooked.
Don't overlook the Universal Joint (UJ). It's the steering knuckle you can see once the plastics are off. A part which often gets crunchy over time and makes the steering feel heavy when it's worn. I thought my power steering had gone when my UJ was worn. You can try applying some lubricant to it to free it up which might improve things temporarily in my experience. A fluid change might help too.