Steering Really Stiff?

[sulayman95]

My dads Skoda Fabia which is a 1.9 TDI has a problem with the power steering. Basically its really stiff and you kind of have to fight it when your manoeuvring. Its electrical power steering so I wasn't sure what it could be. 

 

I'm worried it could be the pump itself which costs a lot of money!!

 

Is there any thing I can check before I jump to the conclusion that the pump is the problem. I don't want to buy a pump only to find out it wasn't that LOL

 

Has anyone had this problem before? Please tell me how you resolved it

 

Any help would be appreciated. 

 

Thank You 

[coskev]

Is it working at all?

 

Presuming you have checked the fluid level?

 

Any warning lights lit on dash?

[sulayman95]

I dont think it is to be honest. Yes fluid level is fine that's the first thing i checked! Nothing on the dash.

Is there any electrical cables that could be disconnected? As its electrical power steering i was hoping it could be something to do with just a disconnected wire somewhere..

[TMB]

Have you checked the fuse links on top of the battery?

 

These...

 

[devonutopia]

Hook up to vcds. Could be angle Sensor but usually the power steering light will come on when that dies.

When car is first started does steering work OK, but you get the headlights flickering as voltage dips?

[sulayman95]

I will check the fuse links on top of the battery. 

As soon as i start the car the steering is stiff. Headlights dont fliker. Everything else is fine just the steering. Can be a real pain to do 3 point turns! LOL 

[sulayman95]

Checked the fuse links on top of the battery. They seem to be fine. Fuses all ok. 

Is the pump the only thing it can be? 

 

Thanks

[devonutopia]

Checked the fuse links on top of the battery. They seem to be fine. Fuses all ok. 

Is the pump the only thing it can be? 

 

Thanks

 

Did you read my post? :P

[sulayman95]

Did you read my post? :p

Yeah i did mate im sure i replied to it

[Jrjg]

My steering had become quite heavy on start up but I put it down to the pump not fully starting properly as the engine had only just started up.

However my battery died last night so I am replacing it this evening, last night however, any turns of the wheel more than ninety degrees either way were very very heavy, zero assistance/ power steering at all.

Could it perhaps be to do with your pump not getting enough power?

JRJG

[sulayman95]

Hopefully its something on that end.. On this car it dosent go away no matter how long the car has been on for. Where abouts is the pump? Is there any way i can check if its not getting enough power???

Thank You

[Breezy_Pete]

Pump is underneath (and integrated with) the fluid reservoir (right hand plastic container in photo below), so 15cm approx. below the green cap where you checked the fluid level:

 

 

The electrical connectors are on the side facing the front of the car, I think, so this access, from the nearside wheel arch with liner removed, may not be ideal. Taking off the engine undercover thing and accessing from below is probably easiest; or taking off front bumper probably gives best view of connectors.

[sulayman95]

Ouch thats going to be a bit tricky LOL. I will try jack the car up and see if i can see it from underneath. 

[devonutopia]

Yeah i did mate im sure i replied to it

 

So when I mentioned the angle sensor being potentially dodgy, did you say "Is the pump the only thing it can be?"

 

You really need a VCDS scan to try and narrow down the problem a little.

[sulayman95]

So when I mentioned the angle sensor being potentially dodgy, did you say "Is the pump the only thing it can be?"

 

You really need a VCDS scan to try and narrow down the problem a little.

I replied in the post above that LOL. I said "As soon as i start the car the steering is stiff. Headlights dont fliker. Everything else is fine just the steering."

 

Yeah I know I need to get that done. Im going to have a look at the wiring near the sensor first and check if thats all ok before i do anything else. 

[Jrjg]

Is the steering pump reservoir underneath where the battery sits? A bit of a fiddly job to get to, although I don't suppose it often needs attention.

Let us know what the outcome is.

JRJG

[sulayman95]

Is the steering pump reservoir underneath where the battery sits? A bit of a fiddly job to get to, although I don't suppose it often needs attention.

Let us know what the outcome is.

JRJG

yeah its a fiddly job by the looks of it. Shouldnt be to bad thou. Not had a chance yet. BLOODY RAIN LOL 

[Jrjg]

There is a thread by DRL on the Fabia 1 Main page at the moment that is a very good guide to taking the battery out on the later mk1 vRS's. If you get stuck that is, not a particularly difficult job, just take your time.

Rain isn't much fun for being in an engine bay is it. I am going beating up on the fells today... Glad I waxed my jacket!

JRJG

[sulayman95]

Checked the pump from the bottom of the car. All the wiring seems to be fine. Cant see anything detached.. Im assuming its most likely the pump. Would it be wise to spend the extra and get a brand new pump or will a second hand one be sufficient?

 

Thanks

[devonutopia]

I'd want to scan with VCDS first.  I have a spare complete pump if you need one in the end.

[mrtibbs]

PM sent 

 

Keith

[sulayman95]

I'd want to scan with VCDS first.  I have a spare complete pump if you need one in the end.

Have you got any idea if how much a VCDS scan costs?? And can most mechanics do it?

Cheers

[sulayman95]

Took the car to the mechanic and he checked it out and tells me its definitely the pump.. Shall i buy a new or used pump?? 

Used are about £50-£80 on eBay and New are about £200 plus lol.. What do you guys think?

[devonutopia]

I have one for 30 my old one from the mongrel which works fine but I wanted Vrs one

[Breezy_Pete]

Took the car to the mechanic and he checked it out and tells me its definitely the pump.. Shall i buy a new or used pump?? 

Used are about £50-£80 on eBay and New are about £200 plus lol.. What do you guys think?

I think you should buy the one that devonutopia is offering, before someone else does...