Heavy Steering

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Pingboy

Pingboy

Member
Posts
75
Location
Manchester
Hi , steering on GSTD4 has gone heavy at low speeds . I have changed the reservoir and changed the fluid . But no different , no whining noise from the pump either at speed or low speed . Anybody advise what is next to check . Many thanks
 
As above. I'd be looking at the belt before changing the reservoir. The reservoir is just a bottle to store the system fluid and can't go wrong, unless it's leaking.:confused:
 
Nodge68 said:
As above. I'd be looking at the belt before changing the reservoir. The reservoir is just a bottle to store the system fluid and can't go wrong, unless it's leaking.:confused:
Click to expand...
Many thanks for the reply Nodge 68 I would not know if the belt needs adjustment or even how to do it . Reason I chsnged the reservoir was the large hose from pump to the reservoir the fluid was black etc . I believed the fluid was not leaving the reservoir due to blocked filter . Hope this helps
 
Pingboy said:
Reason I chsnged the reservoir was the large hose from pump to the reservoir the fluid was black etc . I believed the fluid was not leaving the reservoir due to blocked filter . Hope this helps
Click to expand...

There's no filter in the system at all. The fluid is circulated from the large pipe, through the pump, out to the rack, through the cooler, then back to the reservoir on the small pipe. If the steering is turned while the engine is running, you should see the fluid being returned to the reservoir as it'll be stirred up. If you're not getting any power assistance, then the belt is the place to check, as that's where the power comes from.
 
Nodge68 said:
There's no filter in the system at all. The fluid is circulated from the large pipe, through the pump, out to the rack, through the cooler, then back to the reservoir on the small pipe. If the steering is turned while the engine is running, you should see the fluid being returned to the reservoir as it'll be stirred up. If you're not getting any power assistance, then the belt is the place to check, as that's where the power comes from.
Click to expand...
Hi Nodge68
Thanks for the update, maybe I have been mislead . I was told that the return pipe puts the fluid back into the reservoir through a built in filter ( if you look in the filter from the top there is a central capped pipe which houses the filter allegedly) when I connected the new filter to the large pipe and capped off the old large outlet on old filter . I filled the new one and turned the steering etc watching the fluid go and the old filter filled up with the old fluid . Which was like new . Appreciate you taking the time to advise me . Do I need to replace the water pump as I have been told when changing the belt? Confused
 
Pingboy said:
Thanks for the update, maybe I have been mislead .
Click to expand...

I've just noticed that your profile page shows you have a FL2. This could be different to the FL1 system that I was thinking about. Ignore what I've said, as I don't know the FL2 system functionality.
It's a good idea to give vehicle information at the start of the thread. ;)
 
Nodge68 said:
I've just noticed that your profile page shows you have a FL2. This could be different to the FL1 system that I was thinking about. Ignore what I've said, as I don't know the FL2 system functionality.
It's a good idea to give vehicle information at the start of the thread. ;)
Click to expand...
Many thanks, apologies I am pretty new to forums . I will give full car details on future lists . Thanks for your time
 
FL2 power steering reservoir has a filter int reservoir

If yer lift the bonnet and turn the steering fully to one side with the engine ont tickover, does yer see the fluid jumping violently int steering reservoir?
 
Hippo said:
FL2 power steering reservoir has a filter int reservoir

If yer lift the bonnet and turn the steering fully to one side with the engine ont tickover, does yer see the fluid jumping violently int steering reservoir?
Click to expand...
Hi Lord Hippo
No I have not done that , but will try it this morning. What would it indicate if the fluid is jumping about etc .
Thanks
 
Pingboy said:
Hi Lord Hippo
No I have not done that , but will try it this morning. What would it indicate if the fluid is jumping about etc .
Thanks
Click to expand...
It would mean:
there's fluid in there
the belt driven by the engine is also driving the power steering pump
 
Hippo said:
It would mean:
there's fluid in there
the belt driven by the engine is also driving the power steering pump
Click to expand...
Lord Hippo , thank for the info , but I have changed the filter as if the filter is blocked . The fluid will not go into the system. ( YouTube ) . On filling the new filter then turning The steering wheel side to side the fluid level drops etc . That done no change steering still heavy at low revs more so if turning to the right side . Just clocked 100,000 miles GS TD4 2009 plate . Maybe next step is to change the timing belt and tensioner etc . Many thanks
 
Hi nodge68
This might sound a bit daft , but I thought as there is a belt that runs round etc goes on to a pulley attached to the steering pump . I have only ever heard of a timing / cam belt .
 
There's an auxiliary belt that drives the alternator, power steering pump and AC compressor. If the belt is slipping, then drive to those units will be reduced.
 
Thanks for the info , I will go down that road and get a new belt and tensioner . Also some say the water pump should be changed at the same time ? . Thanks again for your input.
 
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