carolla

Thank you for your reply mrfg. Yes I think that is my concern ie when they fitted the rack the mechanic should have changed the complete fluid and tested for leaks! It does seem they didn't. If they had change the complete fluid then maybe the steering pump would not have failed? Or is this not the case?

Thank you for your reply Mick. Out of curiosity should the garage when changing the steering rack not have put in new steering pump fluid at that time? Is it poor workmanship to allow it to become contaminated? How should they avoid that happening? Thanks Mick

Just updating you on the steering pump saga! The local garage have done a wonderful job and the steering is so light and easy to drive now and €600.00 cheaper than the main dealers quote! What is interesting though was when the garage drained the steering pump fluid they were VERY surprised to see a clear fluid like water coming out. The mechanic saved some and put it in a plastic bottle. Although the liquid is clear the sides of the bottle are covered in a whitish/grey film. The liquid smells slightly fruity. The garage said they had never in their experience seen steering pump fluid that colour - usually red/pink/greenish with some viscosity. Could this have been a mistake by the Skoda garage when I had the steering rack fixed back in November? I would be very grateful if anyone can throw any light on this liquid. It seems very strange! Thank you.

In November 2019 I had the steering rack replaced at great expense at a Skoda dealership - €1300.00 Since then I have driven only 2000K. The steering has started to become 'stiff' - seems worse in cold weather than hot! I took it back to the dealership as it was under guarantee. They tell me it is nothing to do with the steering rack BUT is now the steering pump and want another vast sum - €1100.00 to replace this! Are the 2 issues connected? Does the price sound high? I feel I am being 'ripped off' in as much that the 2 items are linked? Or is not the case? The car is diesel - 2010 year - 92000k. Any suggestions gratefully received. Many thanks.