Hello,

I know there are plenty of threads relating to power steering problems but I can't seem to find one that asks the questions I want to ask. I have just bought a 110 300tdi and I was well aware that it had stiff steering. It has now occurred to me that there is very little, if not no power assistance in the steering at all. It drives fine whilst the vehicle is moving, as you'd expect with no notchiness or free play in the steering but it becomes purely manual whilst the vehicle is stationary. The box is dry with no sings of leaks, the power steering fluid reservoir is full and the auxiliary belt is present. I am assuming at this stage that the pump is goosed, so I have bought another but I would like to ask one question before I go ahead and fit it:

With the engine running, the vehicle stationary and the wheels in the straight ahead position. if I rock the steering wheel left and right there is perhaps a very very slight amount of assistance which turns the wheels 2-3 cm in either direction before the entire thing becomes extremely stiff. Revving the engine makes absolutely no difference. Does this sound like the pump?

Thanks!
-Tom

Could be steering ujs seized from steering column to box. Worth a look

get the front axle up onto axle stands and make sure the steering turns nice and freely without any weight on the wheels, without the engine running, and make sure all is smooth and light.
It does sound like the pump gone to me imho

I dont think its your ujs, but i agree worth taking off and oiling, i had mine off tother day through tight and notchy steering every now and then, one way they were fine, other pretty well seized. To check the pump from memory, remove the fluid cap, and get somebody to turn the wheel from lock to lock, you should see the fluid moving, which indicates all is well, so no movement its fooked!

Thanks for the replies folks. I went ahead and fitted the new pump - it has power steering! All sorted thank you

-Tom