Steering does not return to center!

[ESTJ]

Hi!

New user from Sweden here!

I own a 2012 Citroën C5 with hydraulic suspension. I'm experiencing an issue with the steering and have searched far and wide for answers. When driving, the steering wheel does not return to center after I let go of it. Instead, it stays at the exact angle where I release it, which feels very strange. However, if I pull the fuse for the power steering pump, the steering becomes heavy, but it does return to center!
I’ve taken the car to a mechanic, and they replaced the electric pump, which they said controls both the suspension and the power steering. I thought these were two separate pumps—am I wrong? They couldn’t find any other issues.
Has anyone on this forum experienced something similar or have any tips?

Thank you!

[Rp0thejester]

Can I ask what vehicles you have driven before?

[xantia_v6]

If I remember correctly, the X7 has separate pumps for suspension and steering, but they share the same fluid reservoir.
With the fuse inserted, does the steering feel normal with when turning the wheel? how much pressure on the wheel is required to get it to return?

I am suspecting that there is something binding in the steering column, perhaps a universal joint needs lubrication.

[Kees]

You didn't say what engine your car have, the v6/3.0 and some diesels has a separate pomp with driven by the auxiliary belt.
Other ones has a electrical pomp.
So, there is no one witch one use the hdpomp they only use the LDS tank for the fluid.

[ESTJ]

Thank you for the responses!
I’ve driven quite a few cars everything from no power steering to electric power steering, but never a Citroën, and definitely not one with this hydraulic system!
It’s a 1.6 THP engine.
When the fuse is reinserted and the power steering is active, the initial turning feels somewhat stiff for the first 5 degrees or so, but then it becomes extremely light. This behavior doesn’t change with speed or when turning in the opposite direction.

[Paul-R]

How long have you had the X7? Has it always done this? If not, when did it start?

[ESTJ]

I’ve only had the car for a few months, and it’s been like this from the start. I know, stupid purchase!

[xantia_v6]

If the stiffness is uneven as you turn the wheel, then it would also point to a partially seized universal joint in the steering column. You might feel this better if you can jack the car with both front wheels off the ground so that there is minimal resistance to turning.

[Kees]

Be carful to do this, first release the cap on the LDS tank, to prevent that it will burst when you lower the car.
Maybe air bleeding of the system will help.
The car must be on the ground, with the motor running, then move the steering wheel from one side to the other side slowly, but not hold on the end, better stop just before this and repeat this a few times.

[ESTJ]

Thank you for the suggestions! I’ll give them a try. I’ve attempted turning the wheel to bleed the system, but I may not have done it exactly as you described. It does seem like it could be a mechanical issue, I suppose.