Any ideas whether this is normal? Power steering not working, and with car jacked up, unpleasant squishy liquid noise when turning wheels manually from lock to lock. Could this indicate the problem? No power steering warning lights on dashboard and fluid level ok.

 

 

 

Sounds almost like there is fluid in the inner tie rod boot. Maybe that's just spilt and filled with water? or maybe it's power steering fluid?

 

 

How did this start. Sudden loss of power steering or has it been coming on for a while?

My first step would be to check the level of the power steering fluid in its reservoir. Then inspect very carefully the flat fuses on top of the battery. If fluid level OK and fuses good then scan the car for faults.

Sorry. Missed that the fluid level was OK.

Edited 8 November, 20178 yr by LB123
Missed detail

Pop a pinhole in the rack boots and see if oil comes out, if so then the rack is goosed and you need a new one.

Thanks - It was like this when I got it. I'll try the fuses and rack boots...

 

 

Yep Oil comes out.

3 hours ago, farnhamg said:

Yep Oil comes out.

 

Rack goosed, big job and quite expensive as well, may not be worth it on an old MPI estate.