Bear in mind I've not vagcom'd or had any warning lights.

Noticed that when giving it some stick in a corner, the PAS at the extreme starts to feel as if its giving up - steering becomes noticeably stiffer the harder I turn in. Seems normal under normal driving, but I give it the old chicane treatment I can feel the stiffness (oo-er) at each extreme of the chicane wiggling....

Just wondered if I should start looking out for a new pump? Mine is about 7+ years old now. I noticed it doing this really badly at the North Weald day, and at times, when sliding straight on, with the wheels in full lock position (was raining hard....) the steering almost appeared to lock up.

Should I heed these warning signs?

first thing id be doin is checking the pump for oil and leaks, after that if thats not the problem try changing the steering angle sensor as its your cheapest option

angle sensor has been replaced within the last 18 months or so, so hoping its not that. If it is that anyway, at least I know that vagcom should find a fault, and I should get warning light/s. Also it's cheaper thankfully.

I dunno if this'll help, but if your lights flicker (dashboard or headlights) then chances are it'll be the the steering angle sensor. My steering was heavy then light, then heavy again and would often be as stiff as hell when parking, but replacing the steering angle sensor has resolved it.

Still, £60 for the sensor is a heck of a lot cheaper than a pump!

Could this not just be your diff?

Ive niticed mIne like to lock up when cornering hard and throttling... I have to fight it and the steering foes go stiff.

Ps nerber type when drunk

Could this not just be your diff?

Ive niticed mIne like to lock up when cornering hard and throttling... I have to fight it and the steering foes go stiff.

Ps nerber type when drunk

tut tut - on a sunday! some of us need to be able to drive at 6am! :P

It could well be the diff, and if thats the case I won't worry. Just feels odd. Doesn't always do it under power, but more often under power - which probably = diff.

Certainly needs some fighting sometimes.