Xsara heavy PAS & poor main dealer servicing?

Post by **boroboy** » 02 Nov 2006, 16:42

Hi all,
I've recently bought a 02 Xsara 1.4 LX, after owning a mk1 Xsara 1.4. The PAS seems heavier on my new Xsara, noticed the mk 2's are fitted with wider tyres (195's). Could this be the reason for the slightly heavier steering? Belt not snapped, but hasn't been changed in over 80,000 miles. Could a warn PAS belt cause heavier steering? I have noticed that the outside of the PAS/alternator belt is cracking.

Looking through the previous service history a main citroen dealer changed the timing belt at 75,000 miles, but didn't bother changing the PAS/alternator belt at the same time.

Main Citroen dealer has serviced this car from new, every 12,500 miles. Had a slight intermittent miss fire prob when the car engine was cold. Checked plugs, 3 loose, one very loose & black in colour, due to petrol leaving cylinder & plug must have been tracking. I blame that on poor workmanship by the main dealer. Car only had one previous lady owner, whom never touched vehicle, left it to the main dealer, whom last serviced the car 5,000 miles ago (full service). Why were the plugs not fully tightened up?

Post by **Peter.N.** » 02 Nov 2006, 22:15

If the steering pump belt is slipping it will cause the steering to be heavy but usually only when you put a load on it i.e. turning sharply. Check it by trying to turn the pump by hand before starting from cold, you shouldn't be able to, also feel the belt tension it should be fairly tight.

Post by **boroboy** » 03 Nov 2006, 00:10

Peter N,
Thanks for your post, just found out that the mk2 Xsaras have heavier PAS than the mk 1's. Mk 1's have seperate belts for PAS & alternator, mk 2's only have the one belt, I've owned mk1 & 2 xsaras. Mk 2's have wider tyres(195's). Like the look of the mk 2's, not the steering.

Peter.N. wrote:If the steering pump belt is slipping it will cause the steering to be heavy but usually only when you put a load on it i.e. turning sharply. Check it by trying to turn the pump by hand before starting from cold, you shouldn't be able to, also feel the belt tension it should be fairly tight.

Post by **Peter.N.** » 03 Nov 2006, 10:02

This used to be a problem when the Peugeot 205 came out with no PAS. The choice of front tyres makes a lot of difference as does the ammount of tread and pressure. I went to the tyre suppliers and 'tested' all the tyres of the right size by bending the tread to find the softest. It made a surprising ammount of difference, but I dont suppose you want to go to that trouble. A few pounds extra pressure will make some difference.

howiedean · Post by **howiedean** » 03 Nov 2006, 12:03

boroboy wrote:Peter N,
Thanks for your post, just found out that the mk2 Xsaras have heavier PAS than the mk 1's. Mk 1's have seperate belts for PAS & alternator, mk 2's only have the one belt, I've owned mk1 & 2 xsaras. Mk 2's have wider tyres(195's). Like the look of the mk 2's, not the steering.

Peter.N. wrote:If the steering pump belt is slipping it will cause the steering to be heavy but usually only when you put a load on it i.e. turning sharply. Check it by trying to turn the pump by hand before starting from cold, you shouldn't be able to, also feel the belt tension it should be fairly tight.

Boroboy,
A long shot I know but it might be worth giving the PAS system a clean. I think there are solutions that can be added like Hydroflush that will get all the crap out.
Maybe a good starting point if maintenance is a bit suspect.

Regards

Howie....

rabenson · Post by **rabenson** » 03 Nov 2006, 15:24

I can't say that the steering on my HDI is anything other than reasonably light - certainly no heavier than that on my late lamented ZX. I suspect that you must have a fault

Ron

Post by **boroboy** » 03 Nov 2006, 22:30

Thanks for the info guys, much appreciated.

rg · Post by rg » 30 Nov 2006, 08:18

Boroboy,

There is a good independent Citroen specialist if you a e in the Middlesbrough area - Dave Stott Motors.

You're best to drive down to him ("across the tracks") rather than ring up - he's not a call centre, and usually has his head under a Citroen....

rg

wheeler · Post by **wheeler** » 30 Nov 2006, 19:09

The steering on the Mk2 xsara is definitely heavier & the petrol models seem to be worse than the diesels.

rabenson · Post by **rabenson** » 30 Nov 2006, 20:38

I'm with RG on this - Dave Stott is well worth a visit - he'll certainly give you an honest opinion about whether there's anything amiss - but again don't try ringing him (he's always too busy to answer the phone) - pop over the border to charlotte street and see him.

Ron