steering gone hard all of a sudden xsara dw8

[sean86]

steering gone hard few weeks ago plenty fluid in it. belt is still on anyway any ideas?? thanks sean

[spider]

How 'hard' has the steering gone ?

It may be the pump starting to break up internally.

I thought about blockages in the pipes but the pressure would usually move them about in most cases. When the engine is running can you see the fluid moving / being circulated in the reservoir ? Any odd noises with it just running without / with turning the steering wheel ?

[sean86]

sorry only saw reply now. ya on full lock you can a sound and no i cant see the fluid circulating. i changed fluid there it a bit better. no its not that hard only in full lock it gets very hard

[spider]

Difficult to diagnose as they are normally reliable. My initial thought it still on the pump although it *could* be a non return valve in the rack itself.

[sean86]

ok thanks a lot for help i just take her to garage see what they say

[citroenxm]

Woooow... UJ Joint in the engine bay, just above the pinion valve... its where the steering colum attaches to the Rack.

Like Xantias they sieze up... Jack the car up, remove the wheel drivers side, follow the track rod into the arch, and the UJ joint is above there... needs eiher a good dousing in penertrating oil.. if its too far gone, removing and replacing..

[sean86]

ya it was uj joint just need oil thanks a mill for help

[citroenxm]

Nice One, Glad to hear it!