Xantia 2.1 TD Steering Locks Up When Cold

[jwsmith2015]

I have found that on very cold mornings the steering locks up when large wheel movements are attempted, the steering will move after tugging on the wheel after 1 or 2 seconds, the fault disappears after the first 5 minutes or so. There 'seems' to be an associated clutch problem causing difficulties changing down - what do you think?

[Peter.N.]

"Thick oil" is probably the culpret in both cases.You are likely loosing power assistance to your steering due to lack of hydraulic pressure, this could be nothing more than a slipping pump belt due to the extra load caused by cold LHM, or could be a faulty pressure regulator, go for the easy option first. The "clutch" problem is probably actually a gearbox problem due to the thickness of the cold oil.

[jeremy]

I think your 2.1TD has a 2 outlet pump in which case the larger part of the pump serves the steering only. The regulator is in the suspension/brakes circuit and will not affect the steering. The accumulator is part of the regulator and once again won't affect the steering.
What Peter says is correct - primary problem is thicker LHM - check the belt first, then the condition of the pump inlet hose (might be drawing in air - its under vacuum and so won't leak LHM outwards) its worth having a look at the tank filters but unless they are really dirty I think your pump has failed.
Jeremy

[406 V6]

A bit of hydraclean would also help...for how long do you have the actual LHM in the car?

[Peter.N.]

The pressure reg on my XM 2.1td does affect the steering when the fluid is cold because it is leaking large quantities of LHM back to the reserviour. I know its not the usual fault, but it does happen. I will get round to changing it one day

[jwsmith2015]

Thanks guys, I will give it a flush and replace the fluid.