heavy steering

allanmc · Post by **allanmc** » 25 Jan 2011, 15:50

I have a Xantia HDI 2Ltr and noticed the other day that the steering seemed a bit heavy checked the tyre pressures and they were ok checked the fluid and it was ok whats next thanks
allan

Post by **RichardW** » 25 Jan 2011, 16:32

Did it get better when it warmed up?

When was LHM last changed and filters cleaned?

Is the Aux belt still tight? Is there any rattling from the crank pulley at cold idle / low revs?

Post by **Peter.N.** » 25 Jan 2011, 17:50

I would go with Richard, check the tension on the pump drive belt.

Post by **CitroJim** » 25 Jan 2011, 20:06

This problem can also be caused if the suction side of the HP pump is drawing air due to perishing or splits in the pipe between the pump and the LHM reservoir. You may not see leaks but air can still be drawn in and it can play havoc with the power steering as it needs a high volume of airless LHM to work well.

A dead giveaway can be lots of bubbles and foam in the LHM reservoir, observed with the engine revving a little.

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 25 Jan 2011, 20:07

LHM feed to pump, if it's letting in air then you'll have heavy steering

What is it they say about great minds?

Post by **CitroJim** » 25 Jan 2011, 20:16

Xac wrote: What is it they say about great minds?

It's called hard-won experience Xac

canntan · Post by **canntan** » 26 Jan 2011, 08:41

Hey Guys you all alert me too!! regard my steering sometimes heavy and sometimes not!! As i am using custom make hydraulic hose!!

thanks anyway it might be the culprit too...

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 26 Jan 2011, 10:12

UJ JOINTS!!!

These WILL be UJ joint problems!! Never mind tight belts Xantia ridge belts do not have to be DEAD TIGHT to work! I understand if there a belt squeal, but owners have not reported this!

The UJ joints at the lower steering colum, behind the exhaust heat shields dry up, and DO SIEZE!

Get some lube on there, and some penetrating oil! Access through the wheel arch with suspension on high...

Paul

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 26 Jan 2011, 12:11

citroenxm wrote:UJ JOINTS!!!

These WILL be UJ joint problems!!

Paul

Except where the lhm feed pipe is letting in air

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 26 Jan 2011, 12:39

Of course, but with air in the system Id expect it to be a permanate lack of PAS...

It strikes me that as soon as anyone mentions a steering problem the finger goes straight to a slack BELT, or air inlet... Ive not encounted a steering problem on a Xantia due to a slack belt because of the Ridge belt set up.. and be honest, has anyone else??? Even with the hopeless auto tensioner when it flaps about!!

I agree yes, air ingress.. But an on/off type of problem is also caused by a siezed UJ.. which I have found a 4 cars now, including 2 XM's..

Paul

allanmc · Post by **allanmc** » 26 Jan 2011, 13:16

Its me again thanks for the sugestions the belt seems fine cant detect air leaks put wd40 onthe steering joint hope that helps the only thing I did find was turning steering to full lock on both sides the pump seems to chatter a bit on full lock, oh the system was flushed and new fluid added about 5 years ago 45,000 mls
Allan

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 26 Jan 2011, 15:03

Pump chatter on FULL lock is normal.

On lesser normal cars PAS pumps HIsssssss loudly when put on full lock...

45k.. you may be due new LHM again... possibly, Im not sure the interval on LHM.

Paul

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 26 Jan 2011, 19:18

citroenxm wrote:Of course, but with air in the system Id expect it to be a permanate lack of PAS...

Paul

If there's sufficient air ingress, then steering being heavy is going to be permanant, but if there's a slight ingress such as from weak clips at the end of the pipes, then what tends to happen is the initial turn is heavy and then lightens up (probably more dangerous to drive than the constant heavy!)

allanmc · Post by **allanmc** » 27 Jan 2011, 09:05

Paul, thanks very much for pointing me to the UJ joint on the steering column the WD 40 has been a success the steering is back to normal this morning I will keep my eye on it. thanks again
allan

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 27 Jan 2011, 10:02

Your WELCOME!

A Tip Allanmc, Keep applying a spraying once a week for a few weeks, so it works itself back in....

Paul