Xantia - steering completely solid

[Jaf]

Been a couple of months, steering was behaving lovely. Today an intermittent wibble/ wobble has started. Only happened twice, once when I left home after about 1km (came home), then again on a quick test drive, again starts after 1km then intermittent for a few kms. Feels like the steering is going left/ right really quickly. But the car doesn't change direction and wibble/ wobble is only felt through the steering wheel, the car itself feels stable. Really disconcerting!

[Jaf]

Had a look this weekend. UJ still greased but steering felt stiff, so oiled/ greased it again. Changed easy side steering rack boot whilst the oil worked in. Steering is much less stiff, suspect the March floods have got in there (water and dirt roads are not a good mix). After a drive the wibble/ wobble felt better, also could only feel it on dirt roads, not on the tarmac roads. Odd.

Also noticed that I need new front brake pads, track rods ends and lower ball joints. Had the new ball joints for years, am worried about changing them. Wheel tracking check once that's done.

[Jaf]

Only good for a couple of days. Steering is all wrong again. Feels like almost no power, though can hear pump squeal at full steering lock so something is happening. There's something making a small graunching noise, even with both track rod ends disconnected.

Universal joint is greased. Aux belt is brand new. LHM pump replaced with secondhand, no change. LHM filters are clean. Main supply pipe from LHM tank to pump is new.

Wondering if the supply from pump to rack has collapsed. I don't like the graunching noise, it's small and only at one particular place in the steering.

[wurlycorner]

When you say the graunching is only at one particular place, is the noise apparent only while the column/rack is being turned through that spot, or does it continue if the steering is held stationary in that one position, with the engine/pump running?

[Jaf]

It's with engine off, only when actually steering, but is at only one spot. Just off straight ahead, can move the steering wheel slightly back and forth to get the graunching noise.

[wurlycorner]

Is it fluid moving ‘gurgling’ kind of noise, or mechanical scraping/grinding kind of noise?

[Jaf]

Erm. Metalic, bit like ground up rocks caught up.

[wurlycorner]

Ah then baring something silly external like a heat shield or something snagging on the rack/column, it sounds like you need to investigate inside the rack then, I'm afraid?

[CitroJim]

Check the handbrake cables aren't fouling the track rod arms Jaf...

Else, as Wurly says - time to cast a suspicious eye over the rack...

[Jaf]

Thanks both. Had a quick bit of citroaerobics today. Oddly the graunching has stopped! Perhaps it was literal rocks. Power steering still rubbish though so going to take the rack off tomorrow for a proper look.

Book of lies mentions rack pipe seals. Can I check what size please?

[CitroJim]

Book of lies mentions rack pipe seals. Can I check what size please?

Any problems there Jaf, would result in a massive LHM leak so I think you can discount them

[Michel]

Book of lies mentions rack pipe seals. Can I check what size please?

I'll guarantee they're not leaking

[Michel]

Book of lies mentions rack pipe seals. Can I check what size please?

Any problems there Jaf, would result in a massive LHM leak so I think you can discount them

Ha, yes. Didn't see your post before my reply Jim

[CitroJim]

Book of lies mentions rack pipe seals. Can I check what size please?

Any problems there Jaf, would result in a massive LHM leak so I think you can discount them

Ha, yes. Didn't see your post before my reply Jim

No worries Mike Better for Jaf to hear it twice rather than not at all

[Jaf]

Ha. Love you lot!

I didn't explain myself very well though, I meant pipe seals for use when putting it back together. Not sure there are any needed on the 11mm pipe or the stupid receeded 17mm. Seriously who has a spanner to get in there? Tried brake spanner and can't get in there. Grr.

Rack is practically off. But won't fit through the gap (or past something gearbox related) . Have read here that i have to move the wishbone for better access, will do that tomorrow.