Lumpy when cold (steering)

[cancunia]

Turning my '05 Berlingo steering varies from quite difficult to fairly easy depending on how cold it is outside. Last week when it was really warm there were no noticeable problems, but this morning it was hard to turn until I'd driven a few miles and then it was just a bit stiff. I've noticed that changing the fluid makes a short term improvement but after a few days it's back to being difficult. I'm wondering if the fluid I'm using is just not up to the job, it's 'ATF DX III' from ECP, I was looking at getting some Febi Dexron VI from GSF, but thought I'd ask here first if anyone has thoughts on the best ATF fluid for Berlingo / Partner steering?

Thanks

[white exec]

If air gets into the fluid, power steering can get heavy and notchy. When difficult, try dipping a sample of the reservoir, and see whether there are any bubbles (even very tiny ones) in it. Air usually gets in on the suction side of the pump.

[cancunia]

No sign of bubbles, I tried to bleed the system by switching from lock to lock a while ago with no effect. It's odd how the weather seems to affect things.

[cancunia]

Any one got some ideas of what to test / try?
Thanks

[xantia_v6]

Don't know about the Berlingo, but on the Xantia and some other PSA vehicles, this is usually caaused by a rusted and partly seized universal joint at the bottom of the steering column (next to the rack pinion).

[cancunia]

Don't know about the Berlingo, but on the Xantia and some other PSA vehicles, this is usually caaused by a rusted and partly seized universal joint at the bottom of the steering column (next to the rack pinion).

Thanks, yes that's apparently a problem with the Berlingo too. I did check that a while ago but will take another look when the rain eventually stops. It's just so odd that the problem is worse in cold weather.
I've bought some Carplan oil from GSF to see if that makes a difference and will flush it through. I was going to get some Dexron VI fully synth oil but am worried about what it might do to the seals so will stick with Dexron III.

[GiveMeABreak]

I'll probably need your VIN to determine the pump type on your Berlingo - but guidance for the mechanical PS pump says use only the hydraulic fluid TOTAL AT42, but not the variation for very cold climates.

For very cold climate countries:
Up to RPO 10677: Use the power steering fluid PENTOSIN CHF11S (note this is no longer available, so use the following Total Fluide DA below - but system must be drained and the fluid completely replaced with the new type - don't mix it)
From OPR number 10678: Use the power steering fluid TOTAL FLUIDE DA

But note, the hydraulic fluids TOTAL AT42, TOTAL FLUIDE DA and PENTOSIN CHF11S cannot be mixed with each other.

I've assumed you undid the pipes when you drained it out to replace the fluid, but in case not here is the procedure for doing so:

Draining the PS Circuit

Engine Off, open Filler Cap.

Remove the flanges from the steering pipes, in the vicinity of the power steering valve. Remove bolts (1).	Use a lever to move aside the power steering valve flange ( 2). Don't damage the valve Direct the pipes into a container. Turn the steering from lock to lock in each direction. Wait for the oil to finish draining.

Refilling

Refit: The new seals ( 3). The bracket (2) The (1) bolt Tighten the bolt (1) to 2 ± 0,2 daN.m

Top up the power steering reservoir level to the mark ( C) on the cap. Engine stopped: Slowly move the steering, from lock to lock, in both directions (about 10 times). Top up the power steering reservoir level to the mark ( C) on the cap.

Bleeding

• Turn on the engine and let it idle for 2 to 3 minutes, without moving the steering wheel.
• Bleed the circuit by turning the steering several times in each direction.
• Keep the fluid level topped up.

Levels

• (H) : Maximum level (engine warm).
• (C) : Maximum level (engine cold).
• (ADD) : Level minimum.

The oil level must be checked/topped up with the engine off

[cancunia]

TBH I've only drained via the filler cap & a suction bulb, I'd thought about doing it from underneath but was not sure where is best so many thanks for the instructions.

My VIN is VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]

[GiveMeABreak]

Always best to drain from the bottom as per instructions or you will be guaranteed to get a lot of air in the system. You can see that even doing it the right way will require plenty of turns to slowly bleed it. I suspect it had a few air locks in there.

I’ll check again now I have the VIN

Edit: yes mechanical pump, so same procedure, and stick to the recommended PS fluid.

[cancunia]

Thanks Marc, the Total AT 42 fluid is Dexron III compliant so the Carlube that I ordered from GSF should fit the bill.

[GiveMeABreak]

No worries, the bleeding can be a time consuming thing, but necessary, so take you time and repeat until you’ve got rid of all the bubbles, and some of the bubbles can be fizzy, so not always obvious.