Xantia power steering not working?

pug_owner2002 · Post by **pug_owner2002** » 14 Mar 2010, 17:07

Hello,

The wifes grandfather has got an N reg Xantia, I think it's a 1.8 petrol.
He has phoned to say that his power steering has stopped working.
I've not yet had chance to take a look at it and was wondering what the possible causes could be (pump, belt etc).
Any info is appreciated.

Thanks,

Simon.

red_dwarfers · Post by **red_dwarfers** » 14 Mar 2010, 17:20

If steering is quite 'lumpy' I would say that the main feed pipe from the LHM tank to the high pressure pump is sucking in air, most likely on the 90 degree bend just before the pump. You might not see an LHM leak though.

A temporary fix can involve cunningly placed cable ties bridging the gap but a more permanent fix will involve cutting off the bend, rerouting the LHM feed pipe so that it isn't strained and refixing it back onto the pump, I did this on mine about 5000 miles ago.

Other quick fix alternatives include standard sized hosepipe and jubilee clips.

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 14 Mar 2010, 19:11

Lumpy steering is also caused by Siezed lower UJ joint behind the engine above the pinion valve!

Id strongly recomend you check this out HOWEVER, its a bit of a job, the steering colum needs to come off, then you can, through the drivers wheel arch, get at the pinch bolt on the lower colum shaft..

It will, however, be easyer to check for air ingress, the PAS uses a large amount of LHM flow, being a 1996 N she will be an anti sink car.. and that the PAS is driven directly off the HP Pump, so, as red drawfers says, check carefully the rubber feed pipe to the Pump...

Paul

Post by **Peter.N.** » 14 Mar 2010, 23:51

The first thing to check of course is the fluid level, followed by the belt tension and the other things mentioned by fellow members.

Peter

pug_owner2002 · Post by **pug_owner2002** » 15 Mar 2010, 21:19

Thank you all for the replies!
I'm hoping to get over to take a look at it on Thursday, I'll report back if I find anything.

Simon.

pug_owner2002 · Post by **pug_owner2002** » 17 Mar 2010, 21:31

Hi,

I'm hopefully going to take a peek at this tomorrow.
As I'm not familiar with the xantia, where will I find the high pressure pump?

Thanks,

Simon.

mark230678 · Post by **mark230678** » 17 Mar 2010, 22:03

as you open the bonnet, it is on the left hand side as you look at it, right in front of you.
has 2 pipes and a flexi pipe going into it and is driven by a belt(auxillary)

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 17 Mar 2010, 22:14

...unless your car doesn't have air conditioning, then it could be on the belt side of the engine at the bottom.

pug_owner2002 · Post by **pug_owner2002** » 18 Mar 2010, 20:44

Thanks all for the replies.
I never had to look at it in the end as he took it to a garage earlier in the week.
Apparantly the pump was knackered, so a new one has been fitted and it's all working as it should again.
I did get to drive it today (first time driving a Xantia), gotta say it drives very well. Saying that it has done only 69k.

addo · Post by **addo** » 18 Mar 2010, 21:42

As an aside, I gived Paul's thing of lubing the universal, a shot on my 405. In this case, I carefully dripped 15W50 onto it. The difference was noticeable!

mark230678 · Post by **mark230678** » 22 Mar 2010, 14:47

I have this issue, it comes and goes when turning the wheel.
Feels like turning a 50p.
Had a look at the UJ, and its a bright orange of rust.
Have greased it and has gone slightly better.
Is there anything else that can be done.
Belts are tight and pump is working

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 22 Mar 2010, 15:14

Just keep putting and dosing it with WD40 or any freeing agent..

I will doubt VERY much the pump was buggered, it would possibly be weak, and the new pump being a bit stronger over comes the stiff UJ..

Oil and WD and get it worked in... it will free up!!

Paul