Mk4 Golf 1.4 SE power steering problem

[linleya]

Power steering is no longer working and the steering is real stiff. It happened without warning (no proceeding issues/noises).

I took it to a local garage and the fluid levels are fine, they said its not the pump nor is it the belt.

The Mechanic put it up on the ramp and unfastened the "UJ". He was unable to manually turn the wheels to left or right in this position suggesting to him that something in the rack had gone but he couldnt be 100% sure.

He said I could pay for a new rack fitting but the problem may still be there after going to that expense.

The local VW main dealer charge over £100 to put it on a diagnostic machine but how would that pinpoint steering issues? Both options could be a complete waste of money.

Any one had experience of any similar issues or can suggest anything?

Thanks in advance

[zollaf]

a pas system consists of 2 things, a pump and a rack. if the pump is full and the belt is on and tight, then its either the rack or the pump. its quite normal to replace both at the same time as any failure usually shoots swarfe into the system and the last thing you want is a new rack being taken out by a dodgy pump. first basic checks though, is the belt nice and tight, is the fluid red or a burnt colour/smell and is the filter inside the resevoir nice and clean. if this filter gets blocked then it will stop the system from working , yet no one ever checks it.

[linleya]

Thanks for the info i will check the filter

[linleya]

I took it to an independent vw specialist who said although there was PS fluid in the reservoir there was none in the rack. he suggest i start by getting pump and belt replaced and see what happens. Then of course after that work was carried out told me it needs a rack too. He said it defo needed a pump but the rack is "notchy" so should be replaced asap.

The steering is now much better with the new pump and belt although it doesnt feel 100% as it did pre failure (that could be in my head though).

The cost of belt, pump and fluid inc vat was £120. Paid today.
The cost of the rack is £120 plus vat plus 3 hours labour @ £50 plus vat. = £324 original garage quoted me £303
He also said i need a spring as its fractured. @ £92 + VAT fitted

Does this sound about right? Now the PAS is about right would i get away with it for a bit?

Thanks again

[zollaf]

sounds about right, i hope that is the price for 2 springs though. they should always really be done as a pair for safety reasons, and 92 is about right for a pair of aftermarket ones.

[linleya]

ok as its still not 100% i'll get the rack done too then but at the original local garage (and not the vw specialist) to save the £20 to add towards spring replacement cost. The cost of the spring was for 1 (I think he said spax brand "usually"). But for 1 only. Pretty sure i had the other spring done the other year (about 15k miles ago). So im going for just the one as its all been a big lump to pay out all at once.
Cheers