stiff steering

tomrostron · Unread post by **tomrostron** » 11 Jan 2009, 00:49

hi, just noticed something during this frosty snap. when i start up and set off in the morning. my steering is considerably stiff for about 4 minutes. any reason? thanks tom. 99, 2.1td.

Xaccers · Unread post by **Xaccers** » 11 Jan 2009, 02:16

Could be air getting into the LHM feed, when I split my pipe and first replaced it with a garden hose, one of the jubilee clips wasn't tight enough so was letting air in, also the pipe was kinking so restricting the flow too.
The result was very heavy steering

tomrostron · Unread post by **tomrostron** » 11 Jan 2009, 12:01

Thanks xac, but it only lasts for about 4-5 mins, then its back to normal.

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 11 Jan 2009, 18:10

...or it could be a slipping pump drive belt.

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 12 Jan 2009, 08:07

Peter.N. wrote:...or it could be a slipping pump drive belt.

Very possibly, especially if the auxillary belt tensioner is not in the best of health. Can you hear the belt flapping around when the engine is cold?

Unread post by **RichardW** » 12 Jan 2009, 08:42

It probably needs an LHM change. Although LHM is, apparently, non-hygroscopic it does 'go off' as it ages, and when cold causes problems. The steering on mine (which needs an LHM change!) was noticeably lighter this morning when it has been above 6°C all weekend than it was last week when it was below 2°C all the time. The fact that it goes away once the LHM starts to warm up is a bit of a give away.

DickieG · Unread post by **DickieG** » 12 Jan 2009, 20:35

Alright it was for Xantia's in Sweden and Denmark but Citroën did issue an Info Rapid for this very problem when the temperature drops to -15°C, the cause being faulty seals on the main shaft of the pump and the solution to fit a new pump.

Alternatively as its now warmed up considerably and the problem has no doubt disappeared, leave well alone!

tomrostron · Unread post by **tomrostron** » 13 Jan 2009, 18:08

again thanks, to everyone. tom

Unread post by **Old-Guy** » 13 Jan 2009, 18:47

Bit late in the day to add my two pen'orth:

I agree completely with Richard - a fluid change (and filter clean) is the answer. I noticed what you described on a few frosty morning over last couple of winters. This summer, I replaced all 6 spheres, and changed the LHM and the problem has not appeared this (much colder) winter.

If I move off the moment the STOP light goes out and haul the steering hard over at rest, it is briefly rather heavy. I presume this is because the steering is making a big demand on a hydraulic system that isn't yet fully up to pressure.

Guy