Power Steering problem

[PeteC]

Hi all,
Some advice please! Over the last 2 days a problem which appears to be power steering related has cropped up. At low speed the steering is heavy and feels dead. As the speed rises it returns to normal feeling. Also sometimes when turning sharply (like around a mini roundabout) it feels as though I get power assistance then none, then it comes on again. power steering pump reservoir is at normal level and pipes look dry
I suspect the power steering pump may be playing up either mechanically or electronically.

Thoughts please!
Pete

[topsyde]

It might not be your power steering it might be your lower steering knuckle joint to blame I had the same problems!
I would take your frunk cover off and spray your lower steering knuckle with WD40 or something like that and see if it solves the problem as I did for a bit but it will need replacing, think a new one cost around £100 or so can't remember the cost off hand.

Jim

[PhilzMR2]

Could be several things but next time you think it has failed, try your indicators and see if they work. If they don't then it may be the 100 amp fuse gone intermittent.

[PeteC]

Thanks for the replies so far. They have been helpful.
I've jacked the car up today, and without the engine running, the steering is free from stiffness, so I don't think it is the UJ or within the rack. It was lighter with the engine running so the pump has some function. After these tests, I gave it a dose of WD40 and some spray lithium grease as it looked a bit dry, but that didn't change how it felt.

I assume the ecu for the power assistance is built into the side of the pump where the 3 plugs are. Is it speed sensitive assistance? If so where does it get it's speed input from? I am now thinking the pump has a fault either mechanical where it loses assistance at low speed, or electronic and it is not getting a road speed signal sometimes. It is not reporting any error codes but these might be manufacturer specific and can't be seen via OBDII.

Cheers
Pete

[JoeCool]

I know yo usay it isn't your Universal Joint, but have you actually pulled the plastics out and inspected it? Because your initial symptoms sound exactly like how my steering felt with a near-lethal UJ!

See this vid:
[youtube:7onw1hul]oMRLynFf_Nw[/youtube:7onw1hul]

However, if it's not that, I agree it must be something odd in your power assitance. Can't help there I'm sorry!

[ilovejapcrap]

Could be several things but next time you think it has failed, try your indicators and see if they work. If they don't then it may be the 100 amp fuse gone intermittent.

whats this fuse business ?

i have had my left hand side rear indicator not work a couple of times taken it out and all looks fine.

then i have had the p/s light and airbag light flash on sometimes for no reason followed by stalling

[m1tch]

Could be several things but next time you think it has failed, try your indicators and see if they work. If they don't then it may be the 100 amp fuse gone intermittent.

whats this fuse business ?

i have had my left hand side rear indicator not work a couple of times taken it out and all looks fine.

then i have had the p/s light and airbag light flash on sometimes for no reason followed by stalling

The PS pump is electromechanical, the steering will be quite heavy with the engine off as there won't be any assistance - I would suggest removing the frunk plastic to check the pump as well as the UJ.