1998 vw passat powersteering issue

[kasing]

1998 vw passat, 131 000km
my powersteering seems to work when the engine is cold, when engine warms up it is harder to turn at lower revs.
it onlt gets soft when i rev the engine a bit when turning

is it a powersteering pump isssue or a fluid issue or something bigger??

please help

[JustinM3]

First thing is to check PS oil level and condition.

[kasing]

i checked the fluid level this week, it was ok. so i did a system flush. but still the issue persists

[caldirun]

Check the drive belt tension/condition, pulley condition.

1998 vw passat, 131 000km
my powersteering seems to work when the engine is cold, when engine warms up it is harder to turn at lower revs.
it onlt gets soft when i rev the engine a bit when turning

is it a powersteering pump isssue or a fluid issue or something bigger??

please help

[kasing]

i have checked them and they all seem fine, juss confused now

[27litres]

Based on those symptoms, it sounds like the pump isn't making good pressure once the fluid warms up and thins down.
They generally make noise when they're on the way out though...

Did B5's have the variable assistance circuit? If so, it could be worth checking the relay, and then testing the circuit by driving with the relay removed, and then bridging the main circuit and driving again and seeing if it makes a difference.

Otherwise, take it to a power steering specialist for diagnosis...

[scotty33]

Did you refill with PAS fluid? Not the right stuff, system needs central hydraulic fluid (eg halfords) or the stuff from the dealer old spec is G002000 hydraulic mineral oil, replaced by synthetic G004000