Awful handling/ sloppy steering (PAS fluid leak now and clicking)

[logic_guy]

Normally the steering is sharp and precise but on the way home from work today the car felt like it had a flat tyre.

I stopped and had a look at the gyres and they seemed fine but I'm constantly fighting with the steering wheel to keep the car in the corner.

I have checked all tyre pressures and they are spot on, the track rod ends show no signs if play and I can't see any leaks from the PAS pump.

I have no idea what it is but I haven't curbed my car or knocked anything/ been in a pot hole.

The only to describe it is that it feels like it's heavy steering and doesn't want to turn and if it does then the car will skid or possibly roll.

P.s. I have checked the dampers and they are still very firm.

Thanks

[timbo24]

power steering? its only an electric motor, but you certainly feel it when it goes!

[Gandi699]

what are the wishbone ball joints like?

[baker556]

ball joints have gone.

[Tom5190]

needs B8's

[benwh555]

Did it feel like a flat tyre from any particular side? How does the steering feel when your not moving? (i.e. dry)

[Gandi699]

jack it up and check for play in both front wheels. I bet theres a tonne of play in the ball joints if they havent been done

[logic_guy]

Thanks all.

I only had my MOT the other week and checked everything like that and it was nice and tight. I guess they can go 'Pop' over time though.

Its mainly steering to the left that it feels odd.

[Ben_SaxoForte]

Got this same problem with mine 2 new wishbones and its still there and everything else feels pretty tight its very weird..

[civictiger]

I also have this problem (I think)
My steering feels WELL heavy. I literally have to force my wheel around to get a good turn out of the vehicle.. weirdly enough though after about a minute of driving it goes back to normal?

It's possible it might just be the cold weather.

Although, i've noticed that since I have had this problem I've been going over speed bumps at 15mph rather than 30 and it seems to be a bit better :p

[Gandi699]

I also have this problem (I think)
My steering feels WELL heavy. I literally have to force my wheel around to get a good turn out of the vehicle.. weirdly enough though after about a minute of driving it goes back to normal?

It's possible it might just be the cold weather.

Although, i've noticed that since I have had this problem I've been going over speed bumps at 15mph rather than 30 and it seems to be a bit better :p

Sounds like your PAS is duff. Nice highjack though, onwards to 100 posts

[Ross]

I hate to be the one to suggest it, but you've described exactly what my rear beam felt like. Almost like a flat tyre on one side. Reluctant to turn nicely one way, then when it did, was unpredictable and sloppy.

Humour me and check the rear beam for play.

[logic_guy]

So I checked the PAS today and traced the pips back to the Bulkhead under the bonnet to find that it has a small leak and residue around the pipe as it goes into the bulk head. I'm not sure if the joint has been damaged or if the pump its self is leaking and its running along the pipe and dropping off in the engine bay? I was wondering how easy is it to trace the pips back to the electric pump behind the bulkhead? Engine out job?

I also believe my wishbones are going to go pop very soon. They click when you go over a bump at speed or if you change steering direction quickly/ full lock. Its not a D/s click!!

£180 for a new pump :O. can you refurbish them and if so, how easy?

[Gandi699]

Electric pump
Behind the bulkhead? It doesn't go anyway near that the whole pas system is confined to the engine bay from the pump near the radiator at the front to the rack on the bulkhead itself.

If its just a pipe pump should be ok really, get some pipes from a breaker.

Wishbones are 40 quid a side with new ball joints fitted for non oem which I've found are fine. Better than having a ball joint pressed in and leaving the soggy rear mount on the end of the wish bone

[logic_guy]

Electric pump
Behind the bulkhead? It doesn't go anyway near that the whole pas system is confined to the engine bay from the pump near the radiator at the front to the rack on the bulkhead itself.

If its just a pipe pump should be ok really, get some pipes from a breaker.

Wishbones are 40 quid a side with new ball joints fitted for non oem which I've found are fine. Better than having a ball joint pressed in and leaving the soggy rear mount on the end of the wish bone

I can confirm its leaking at the threads on the steering rack. I don';t know why, how or when it started leaking but the fluid was low and that's what caused the heavy steering. It's HERE (http://www.saxperience.com/forum/showthread.php?t=448050)