C5 V6 2002 - Power Steering got stiff.

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robsterUK
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C5 V6 2002 - Power Steering got stiff.

Post by robsterUK »

My power steering started to be stiff on start up for a few minutes then started working fine - then a few months ago it just stayed stiff. Now there is some power assistance - not totally gone but it is clearly not right. It passed it's MOT the other day without reference to this problem but I wonder if anybody can tell me whet this could indicate?

Thanks guys

Rob
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Re: C5 V6 2002 - Power Steering got stiff.

Post by mooseshaver »

Suspension fluid level? It all come from same tank.
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Re: C5 V6 2002 - Power Steering got stiff.

Post by robsterUK »

Hi

Thanks for your suggestion. I have checked this and found it to be ok. Would have been tooooo easy - lol :)

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Re: C5 V6 2002 - Power Steering got stiff.

Post by Peter.N. »

I would suggest a seized u/j on the steering column but as they are both inside the car I think it unlikely but you could check.

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Re: C5 V6 2002 - Power Steering got stiff.

Post by robsterUK »

Thanks for the suggestion - I doubt it could be that though due to the nature of the way it failed in stages.

Rob
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Re: C5 V6 2002 - Power Steering got stiff.

Post by myglaren »

Power steering pump failed or collapsed/blocked hoses?
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Re: C5 V6 2002 - Power Steering got stiff.

Post by Mandrake »

Not sure if its applicable to a C5 due to the different hydraulic pump and mounting location but on a Xantia a significant air leak on the hose from the resoviour tank to the pump can cause the steering to be heavy, either for a short time after startup until the pump primes if the leak isn't major, or permanently if the leak is more serious.
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Re: C5 V6 2002 - Power Steering got stiff.

Post by robsterUK »

Now that sounds like a real possibility as the symptoms you mention match well. Where do I look to find this pipe? Is it a 'remove the wheel and wheel arch' job?

Also my memory seems to think that this all started after hitting a particularly large puddle (flood) across a dark road one night so maybe the pipe was in someway damaged??

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Re: C5 V6 2002 - Power Steering got stiff.

Post by Mandrake »

No idea where the pump is in a C5 I'm afraid, hopefully someone with a C5 will have that answer.
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Re: C5 V6 2002 - Power Steering got stiff.

Post by Ben82 »

Image

Hope this provides some guidance at least, looks like you should be able to follow the piping from the reservoir for it (hopefully). I would imagine it's more a up on ramps job.
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Re: C5 V6 2002 - Power Steering got stiff.

Post by robsterUK »

Thanks to everybody for your help. Will let you know how I get on!

Rob
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Re: C5 V6 2002 - Power Steering got stiff.

Post by Stewart(oily) »

I was really surprised just how stiff the universal joint inside the car could make the steering, we were imagining slipping belts, failing pumps, seized racks, it was dry, clean and showed no sign of corrosion, some duck oil worked into it and normality was restored, do check it, you might get an easy repair.
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Re: C5 V6 2002 - Power Steering got stiff.

Post by Peter.N. »

I have recently had this problem with my 406, it was the lower u/j under the car, the steering was getting really stiff and sometimes refused to return when you let go of the wheel, a couple of soakings of engine oil and a drive have restored it to its original lightness.

My C5 has the opposite trouble, the u/j's rattle due to wear but the steering is fine, my joints were quite greasy and being inside the car protected from the weather - unless there is another one underneath?

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Re: C5 V6 2002 - Power Steering got stiff.

Post by aszaultz »

Check a survotronic valve at steering rack measurment resistance is around 7 Ohm
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