Member Since: 02 Oct 2016
Location: Lower Austria
Posts: 84
Is it power steering pump?
Hi,
I probably got a problem with power steering.
When turning, the steering wheel goes in "steps".
It resists turning, then it goes smoothly, then resists (like no power steering support) and then goes better.
3 steps from straight to fully turned.
When driving straight for a while I get 1-2 turns which feel fairly ok, then resistance builds and there are these "steps" again.
Is it power steering pump failing or can it be something else?
Car is some 400km after belts service, if that can mean something.
Fluid appears to be normal and belt looks ok to my untrained eyes.
10th Oct 2017 4:28 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72774
ISTR I had this on the D3 and it was the lower steering column. Both lower and upper columns ended up getting changed. Upper because of a different fault, something to do with a failed sensor ring.
10th Oct 2017 4:33 pm
marian
Member Since: 02 Oct 2016
Location: Lower Austria
Posts: 84
And did it happen quickly for you?
I was driving to a town some 50km away and after some 40km steering got "strange". Then within 5km the issue was fully developed (as described) and then it remained the same during the drive back home.
10th Oct 2017 4:37 pm
MikeO
Member Since: 15 Jan 2014
Location: The Cotswolds
Posts: 1372
Sounds like it may be the lower joint. Lots of similar threads eg https://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/post1778840.html#17788402016 Skoda Octavia VRS Estate
<gone>2009 FF Vogue TDV8 Buckingham Blue</gone>
<gone>2015 BMW 520D SE (not my favourite car)</gone>
<gone>2009 D3 HSE Galway Green</gone
10th Oct 2017 4:37 pm
marian
Member Since: 02 Oct 2016
Location: Lower Austria
Posts: 84
I did quick checks before it got too dark.
Belts appears to be ok, no leaks, ...
So either pump or more likely here mentioned lower column joints.
I found two mentioned.
One is accessible from cabin, just above the pedals.
Other one is in the engine bay, unfortunately not accessible from above.
Is it possible to access this one somehow to lubricate it without having to get there from the bottom?
(as I can't do that at home, I have no means of lifting the car and working from below)
If it's one of these, is it (technically, for the car) OK to drive the car till repaired?
Edit: yeah, question about access is probably not really answerable here as my steering column is on the correct side of vehicle while yours on the wrong one 8)
Last edited by marian on 10th Oct 2017 6:25 pm. Edited 1 time in total
10th Oct 2017 6:03 pm
Pete K
Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10360
Watch from 7 minutes.
Is it like this? Although I think the big RR uses different parts ?
10th Oct 2017 6:12 pm
L319
Member Since: 14 Dec 2013
Location: Herefordshire
Posts: 2080
I have just changed mine as it had become very stiff and also notchy at times. Now back to former feel .
10th Oct 2017 6:45 pm
marian
Member Since: 02 Oct 2016
Location: Lower Austria
Posts: 84
One good outcome of this is that I decided I need a way of doing "emergency" repairs underneath the car.
Axle stands, I guess.
This situation where I get help, I get info what it could be, I could likely at least temporarily repair it (just by cleaning and lubricating) but I can't do that as I can't safely get under the car is annoying.
Funny, my D3 broke when driving to Alfa Romeo dealership where we wanted to test drive Giulietta I want to buy for my wife. That Giulietta did not start (broken starter, likely - I will not buy it)
10th Oct 2017 6:49 pm
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8072
It can be accessed through the wheel arch, it can also be accessed from the top by removing the fan cowling and fan, lubricate/spray the UJ with thin oil, diesel will do if nothing else available, then lubricate with oil. Beware after this has been done as it will wash any gunge out that has been acting as a packing and taking up play in the joint, you will probably find as I did that the car will "wonder" and the permanent solution is a new lower shaft complete with universal joint.It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
10th Oct 2017 7:14 pm
marian
Member Since: 02 Oct 2016
Location: Lower Austria
Posts: 84
I have to see tomorrow whether the access you describe is possible for me.
I forgot to mention (and later edited) that I have continental Europe car, so it's all on the opposite side...
Yes, I understand the replacement is permanent solution and it's generally fine.
I still have extended warranty which will pay work & 40% material.
But if I can temporarily repair it at home, it would help me till I get the appointment in garage.
10th Oct 2017 7:20 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72774
Pete K wrote:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvJCCoLoKRA
Watch from 7 minutes.
Is it like this? Although I think the big RR uses different parts ?
Where do we get a warranty like that?
10th Oct 2017 8:02 pm
marian
Member Since: 02 Oct 2016
Location: Lower Austria
Posts: 84
In the morning, with daylight, I got there from behind the wheel (as recommended here) and I applied lots of WD40. It steers again. I'll still do longer test drive but it seems that temporary relief worked.
Thank you for advices!
11th Oct 2017 9:27 am
Pete K
Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10360
Has to be one good reason to live in USA.
Well and petrol prices, and food portion sizes. Actually come to think of it...
There is a more amusing video of his warranty.
11th Oct 2017 12:09 pm
Paulc2017
Member Since: 12 Oct 2017
Location: Stockport
Posts: 154
Mine was the same, must have been pretty bad as the clean / lubricate route only sorted it for about 2 days. Anyways, part replaced and all is well.. When I say all, I actually mean that I’ve only got one problem to resolve now, see air suss post lol
12th Oct 2017 3:40 pm
marian
Member Since: 02 Oct 2016
Location: Lower Austria
Posts: 84
Small complication for me is that extended warranty refused to pay for this.
Not included...
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