Power Steering Failure

Hi,

I have a 2000 1.8 T spark 156, when I put my foot down heavily the power steering goes, it would come back straight away when I slowed up, but the last time I did it it hasn't come back, the reservoir appears to be full even when the engine is running, Does anyone know what may have happened? knacked pump?? I 'm hoping it might be working in the morning when it's cooled down a bit?!

Thanks,

James

Sounds like it may be the pump to me. If it is i have one for 20 quid. Let me know if you want it Cheers Rich

Sounds like the pump or the belt is slipping perhaps? Is the battery holding its charge?

Hi,

Thanks, I took it to a nationwide autocentre this morning, they told me the power steering rack is knacked, they can feel fluid being pumped but it's not operating the rack? Told me it's best to take to Alfa, sounds expensive! Only thing is I go on holiday Tuesday night, they say its ok to take it to the Airport as long I take it easy.

Thanks for your advice.
James

I would renew the fluid and the belt before i thought about spending £££ with anybody.

An Alfa dealer will charge you an arm and a leg mainly because of the labour and hours it will take ... the subframe has to be dropped, so the suspension has to be disconnected etc ...

get a recon and go to a specialist.

Hi I had a similar problem,check the filter in the power steering reservoir on the return pipe inlet,mine was totally blocked,I changed the pump,the rack too before I discovered this.

Good Point Cranky!!!!!

Also learned something new,apparently there is a service news from Alfa about bleeding the power steering,this replaces every previous service news,Alfa reccomend that any time you have emptied the fluid from the p steering that you refill the reservoir, and with the front wheels off the ground and the engine off turn the steering lock to lock 45 times (yes thats 45 times).Then check the level again and top up if necessary.
Then lower the car to the ground and start the engine and turn the seering lock to lock another 45 times,Top up again if necessary, THE STEERING IS NOW BLED!. It sounds a lot but it worked for me,I also noticed my power steering fluid looked like Guiness, so I guess it would be a good thing to keep an eye on the fluid colour as well as the level,and change it if necessary,Cheers!

Hi,
Thanks for your advice everyone, it righted it's self just before I went away, which was lucky! I will check the filter and replace the fluid though. Having starting and cutting out problems now!

James

When bleeding the steering, put an old magazine under each of the front tyres. That way you won't scrub them when turning the steering from side to side.

The wifes/Girlfriends Glossy magazines are ideal.