D4 3.0 v6 2011 weak power steering

Hello

Wondering if anyone has any suggestions before I remove the power steering pump.

Tyres have good pressure, 40 psi in 20” wheels, belt still there and fluid full.

Power steering is weak, better than when engine is off but still noticeably heavy steering constantly

Any advice?

Thanks

Any noise from pump when in use?
Iirc there is a filter in the D3 pas reservoir, might be the same on the D4?

lynall said:

Any noise from pump when in use?
Iirc there is a filter in the D3 pas reservoir, might be the same on the D4?

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Even my D1 has a filter in the reservoir same for all vehicles with PAS I’d expect.

discool said:

Even my D1 has a filter in the reservoir same for all vehicles with PAS I’d expect.

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Might be the only bit on a d1 that does not rust!

The fluid does look very black, you reckon it’s worth draining it out and replacing fluid inc the res with the filter inside?

Jowniofownio212 said:

The fluid does look very black, you reckon it’s worth draining it out and replacing fluid inc the res with the filter inside?

Click to expand...

To be honest I doubt new fluid will make it any better, but it cannot hurt,
If it's not making a noise you have to assume is not being starved of oil so the filter and pipes must be okay.

Maybe the problem is not in the PS but in the steering mechanism, something stiff, dry, or binding?
And make sure the belt that is still there is properly tensioned and not slipping.

And for heavens sake, yes, change the black fluid!!

My D3 column coupler seized up, replacing the column made the steering much lighter, however I did also replace the reservoir and fluid too. Mine had 18" wheels, but 20" rims shouldn't make the steering much heavier, unless it has tyres wider than the standard 255 width.