C5 mk3 over light steering

[Sychologist]

Since I had my steering rack reconditioned my steering is too light. It feels like it is being over assisted from the pump. My car is a 2010 1.6 hdi so doesn’t have the hydraulic suspension and from what I can read the steering rack is only hydraulic and not electronically controlled. My garage is at a loss. Is there a regulating valve which may be stuck open possibly?

Thank you.

[GiveMeABreak]

VIN please, then we can determine type. There were 2 types of Power steering on the 1.6 Hdi with Metallic suspension - the Electropump or the Coupled pump with constant valve.

Each has a different bleeding procedure, which I can advise of once we know your VIN.

[Sychologist]

Thanks Marc, Vin is VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff] etc.

[GiveMeABreak]

You're missing 3 digits - it should be 17 in length.

[Sychologist]

I didn’t put the whole number for security reasons and I didn’t think the last three would stop identifying which rack was used. However I see it won’t be published so the numbers are *******. Thanks in anticipation.

[GiveMeABreak]

Incidentally, whilst checking on your steering pump type, there is a warning regarding an 'after sales campaign' (recall) that must be carried out on your car coming up for this vehicle - so I would give your dealer a call and quote your VIN to them. They should be able to confirm what it relates to and undertake the work free of charge for you.

It may well be that the recall has been completed - it is just that the data system thinks it hasn't - so always worth a check.


Ok, your rack is indeed the electropump variant. So the system is fed LDS fluid directly from the power steering reservoir, but is electronically operated:

[xantia_v6]

Is it possible that a replacement rack of the wrong kind was fitted?

[Sychologist]

I believe the original rack was reconditioned but I’ll check both issues and let you know. Thank you for the help so far.

[Coggie20]

Hi, just bought a 2009 1.6hdi c5 with very light steering, just wondering did u ever get to the bottom of it ? TIA