Hi All,

 

I have a 2003 Skoda Fabia Classic 1.2 64bhp, 87000 miles on the clock.

The last month or so i have had problems with no power steering, my local garage recently told me it was a leak, and that i may need a new steering rack.

Two weeks ago it went in for the oil service and they topped up the power steering fluid, now i am not ready to shell out on a new rack, the power steering worked fine for a few days and has gone again.

There does not seem to be a leak, i have purchased some lucas oil power steering leak fluid and will use that this weekend, but i have read that there are a lot of problems with the pas on fabias, can anyone give me any advice please.

The steering seems a lot worse when parking than when driving.

It can be hard to tell if the rack is leaking because the fluid leaks into the rubber rack bellows. If they've had to top up the fluid then that is a possible sign of a leak.

 

Other common issues affecting the power steering are:

 

Failed steering angle sensor which is fitted to the rack (very common).

 

Poor battery condition - the PAS pump draws a lot of current and needs the battery to be healthy.

 

Alternator problems.

 

Broken alternator load sensor wire causing no battery charge. Does your battery light work with the ignition switched on (engine not started)?

 

Bad earth from battery to chassis leg.

 

Fuse links on top of battery can develop hairline cracks.

 

Faulty pump.

 

Have you had the car scanned for fault codes?

Hi TMB,

 

Thank you for your advice, i am going to use the Lucas power steering leak fluid and see if that helps, i will definitely get booked in to find out any fault codes.

Before you take it in and spend any money, check that the battery light comes on when you turn the ignition on. If it doesn't your alternator load sensor wire is broken. It's a common fault and easy to rule out for no cost.

Before you take it in and spend any money, check that the battery light comes on when you tun the ignition on. If it doesn't your alternator load sensor wire is broken. It's a common fault and easy to rule out for no cost.

 

Was just reading this thread out of interest while sat waiting in my car for someone...the battery light doesn't come when I turn the ignition on but it runs fine :S

Was just reading this thread out of interest while sat waiting in my car for someone...the battery light doesn't come when I turn the ignition on but it runs fine :S

 

Busted load signal wire probably. Easy enough to fix.

 

This is for a SEAT Ibiza but practically the same http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=209472

If the PAS system is losing fluid then you have a leak, it isn't gremlins drinking the stuff while you're asleep, it's a leak which means a blown rack seal and the fluid is leaking into the boot as TMB says.

 

You don't need a new steering rack, a good secondhand one will be fine and it's a relatively straightforward job to do although awkward unless you can get the front end up nice and high, most independent specialists will be happy to fit guaranteed secondhand parts as long as you buy and supply.