Hi everyone,

I now have a NEW problem with my Fabia! I mean, what would it be without any?

Since yesterday, my PAS has been heavy when you first start to turn the wheel, but then kicks in for the rest of the wheel turning with no issue. It has made my journeys interesting, as I put more pressure on the wheel to turn the car and then get thrusted in the direction when it kicks in!

Also, my PAS also sounds like its making a watery sound (like if you first turn on a garden hose) but is that just the noise it makes? I'm not sure myself..

I have checked the following so far:

• Charged battery overnight. There was no drain whilst turning the wheel, but it's a step covered.
  
• Checked the PAS fluid. It's in the middle of the two markers, so no action taken
  
• Checked front tyre pressures (figured low pressure might have tripped something?)
  
• Checked ECU with Torque on my phone for fault codes. None reported and no PAS/Engine night
  

I have a feeling it may be the PAS Wheel Angle Sensor, but I just wanted to get a second opinion from you guys before I throw money around, as it seems like a common fault here.

Thanks,

MrNorm

Edited 12 April, 201115 yr by Mrnorm

It could be you angle sensor as it can do some wierd things to the steering but normaly the warning signs are the other way around. The pas works to start with then fails and you get the waring light on. Also the headlights and dash lights flicker whilst driving thats a sign the angle sensor is shorting. I would advise you getting it put on the VAG COMM system to show up any faults first.

So, my Fabia went into the garage today to see what the issue was. My Skoda dealer told me it was the steering rack leaking AND the steering wheel angle sensor. Bottom line, £892 inc VAT! :'(

After I regained my colour, I had a think about it. If my rack was leaking, wouldn't my power steering fluid be going down, or is that a different fluid in there?

Additionally, I found a reconditioned rack from ACS Steering (£150+postage) who want my old rack in return. Has anyone used them? It came with a 2 year guarantee, but I just wanted to know if anyone had any faults of praises with them.

Thanks,

MrNorm

Another thing that has been bugging me about the dealer's quote, is that my car hasn't reported any fault codes on the dash and nothing has been reported on the CAN interface I use on my phone. How can something as bad as a steering rack leak not trigger anything?

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

Thanks,

MrNorm

Get under car with torch and mirror...check where the "leaks" are comming from..if any...wipe then check a couple of days later..could be the pipe (which can be replaced on own) has a small pin hole from rust..so leaking. Another thing that can affect is air in system. This can be bled out by jacking the car up..support the front end on axle stands.. wheels to straight ahead..fill reservoir to max...with engine still switched off turn steering from lock to lock ten times...screw on the res'cap loosely..start engine and allow to idle of about 10seconds...switch off engine and top up fluid...screw res'cap on loosely....start engine....turn steering from lock to lock ten times...switch off engine and top up fluid.. You might need to repeat turning the steering from lock to lock with the engine running a few more times!!! Pain but works!