Pug/Cit Power Steering Rams

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 01 Dec 2009, 10:10

I'm wondering why the 405 has massively heavier steering than my Xantia, when both have near-identical racks/rams (and the Citroën has wider tyres).

Do the rams ever leak internally, causing heavy steering, or is it more likely to be the usual breakdown inside the pinion valve?

Does anyone have leakage rates to share?

Thanks, Adam.

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 01 Dec 2009, 20:05

i think if the ram were to be leaking internaly you would have a high presure trckle return

regards malcolm

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 01 Dec 2009, 20:22

I've had one experience of a leaking ram on a 405 and boy, did I ever know about it. ATF everywhere and the reservoir empty in about 10 miles.

Feeling of steering totally unaffected

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 01 Dec 2009, 21:58

That leak, Jim, must have been past the pushrod end seal. Could have been ugly if fingers had been in the way, given the pressure applied! Mate has a Ford ute that loses steering fluid pretty much that fast.

I'm more looking at the leak type you can't see; Malcolm's comments make sense, but I would be interested to know if there's supposed to be any trickle back when the steering is held at partial lock and not changing.