Power Steering Problem

[Fred Thornton]

Hi Guys,

I've done a quick search but can't find any posts with the same problem, so hopefully someone can help.

My 03 2.0 petrol (ALT) with 205k on the clock has very recently developed a problem with the power steering. It makes a swooshing sound when you try to turn left and the power steering does not assist at all, especially noticeable at low speed. It works perfectly well when turning right.

The fluid level is good and it had a new rack only last year. About 60k ago the pump was inspected with a boroscope as I was experiencing a problem with the ABS, which turned out to be electronic, something to do with the MultiTronic ECU that was changed at that time.

I've not had any collisions either so am mightily confused as to why the problem is only experienced when turning left?

One last note, the offside front tyre has worn quite a bit more on the outside than it's counterpart on the near side.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[blackie781]

With the engine running, take the cap off the PAS bottle, if there are any bubbles coming through or a froth, then I would suspect an ingress of air. Get someone to turn left and right slowly lock to lock again if air bubbles or froth is seen, air is getting in somewhere. Check seals. If no bubbles/froth then at least that tells you your seals are ok.

If you are able to turn one way but not the other then that would suggest the pump is ok.

Might be worth getting your tracking checked too, and check all the suspension arms and ball joints on the side with the worn tyre.

Hope this is of some use.

[Fred Thornton]

Hi Blackie,

Thanks for the advice. My mechanic did most of those things and eventually came to the conclusion that the rack was probably at fault and sent if off to a specialist. They found a rod on the offside (or something) has been damaged/bent and that it was fouling the mechanism when trying to turn left.

I am absolutely flabbergasted as to how this could have happened, as it was a new part with only 15,000 miles in about 9 months (the original did about 190,000 over an 8 year life) and I have never had an accident. I also pride myself on taking care of the car and driving sensibly.

The mechanic seems to think that I have no chance of claiming on the warranty because of the nature of the damage, but surely this could be a dangerous manufacturing defect if it turns out that they have used inferior strength/quality metal.

Apparently the rack was made by the same company that make them for Audi, any thoughts?

[JimTraining]

Hello Fred, usual warranty issue is proving that the failure was caused by a defect in workmanship or materials. If you don't have the rack you will struggle to prove that. As you say 190,000 without bending anything and this one bends at 15,000...Having never had one of these apart, could this be down to incorrect fitment or excessive pressure i.e. relief valve setting? Sure some of our members will have stripped these at some stage.