Dodgy power steering?

[Jshodgson]

My power steering (Xantia TD 95 126k) makes a strange noise when the wheel is turned even a very small amount and sometimes stops causing the wheel to become VERY heavy (usually at low revs/speeds) what's up with it??? I've only owned it for a week.
Ta

[AndersDK]

We had an owner in Scotland with a similar symptom - showed up to be a dry/dirty servo cylinder rod.
Try have a look down there if the cylinder rod surface is nice clean, shiny and greasy - like any other hydraulic ram cylinder rod.

[smashymike]

My TD SX (95N) has a hissing noise when steering wheel turned, more pronounced left to right. Have had car since 3k miles, now 76k and nothing has come of it, just assumed this was 'normal'!

[Stuart McB]

I know that most cars make a hissing sound on the steering some more that others. The wife's VX Astra sounded as though it was from a lorry when on lock. All OK so never worried about it.

[Stempy]

All Xantiae hiss a bit when steering. The steering is powered by the same hydraulic pump that feeds the suspension and brakes so at idle it has a lot to do and the steering may seem heavier. Is the car idling at the correct revs? You might want to check the condition of your hydraulic system.

[alexx]

Not on '95 Xantia, since it has a 'double' HP pump - 6 pistons for PAS, 2 pistons for suspension/brakes.

[john alexander]

alexx how can you tell if you have a newer pump . mine is an 96 but only has two pipes on it ???

[wrinklet1]

I had the same thing on my Xantia and it was the pump at fault.
I got mine from Pleiades (how do you spell it??) 2 year warranty, cheaper than GSF and way cheaper than Citroen.
Took 20 mins to change too
Paul

[alexx]

John,
Models from '94 or so are/should be equipped with anti sink and 6+2 pump. 6+2 pump is a bit longer than older type, with 2 high pressure pipes and one rubber hose attached. And the other thing, there is no flow-distributor mounted above the pressure regulator