Hello,

i had a new power steering pump fitted about 9 months ago

i must admit I don’t use my car that much now

just been on 30 mile run, after about 16 miles the steering wheel light came up on the dashboard, but the steering was as normal.

i pulled into a lay-by, switched off then back on, light went out then after about 2 miles came back on, again steering unaffected 

Any advice please welcome

Check the battery with a multimeter, looking for about 12v engine off, and 14.4v running.

 

If you've got that, then the next suspects become the electric pump and its heavy-duty connectors to the alternator and battery, or the steering angle sensor, which needs a code reader to check (likely fault values being similar to "99_999 - Steering angle sensor; implausible value".

Hello Ken,

thanks for your reply

have just checked 12.49 volts standing, 14.2 volts at idle.

i did notice when I was checking when running, I could hear, if I can describe it, like a bubbling, gurgling sound from the area of the steering pump

thankyou 

@Bossboy - "Electric PAS" is more accurately described as "Electrical motor pressurised hydraulic PAS"; Have you checked the PAS fluid level?

Hello ken

will check

i understand on my car I have to remove battery and tray to gain access ?

Just a thought

i had the new pump fitted by independent garage, would it have made any difference if they used power steering fluid which was not VAG ?

On 23/12/2018 at 12:20, Bossboy said:

I could hear, if I can describe it, like a bubbling, gurgling sound from the area of the steering pump

That's what makes me think the fluid level is low. The real question, if it's only months since you had the pump replaced, is "why?" Mixing brands of PAS fluid would not be ideal, but unless a rack seal has now gone that's not your problem.

Edited 23 December, 20187 yr by KenONeill

I have checked, I had it replaced 15 months ago now, time does fly

as I said I hardly use the car, but always keep battery trickle charged, no oil whatsoever on garage floor

I am going to remove battery and case tomorrow to check fluid level

any tips on doing this please

Hello,

i have removed battery and one 8mm bolt inside bottom of battery case

what else it holding it ?

thanks

The reservoir cap is in front of the battery, down behind the headlight, pale green cap, I don't think you need to take the battery out.

 

 

Hello,

i have the 1.4 8 valve, unfortunately it is located right below the battery, a pig to get to

but thanks for your help

You need to unclip the square battery box from the bottom tray to access the other nuts/bolts.

I have the same model Fabia and I took a pic of the battery tray bolts last time I had it out...

 

Edited 24 December, 20187 yr by TMB

Many thanks, much appreciated 

happy xmas to you

^ No probs and same to you

Battery tray removed

have found oil level not even touching minimum part of dipstick, have topped up, around 40ml, yet to try.

It's possible that the fluid is leaking into the passenger side steering rack gaiter. Mine does it but it's a very slow leak on mine. Just top it up and see how it goes.

Thanks will do,

i am wondering, when the garage fitted the new pump, they only removed the front bumper, and did they put enough oil in ?

when the pump packed up, the light came up on the dash and the steering was totally unassisted 

i did a 16 mile run home the other day, light came on, steering was normal, I pulled into lay-by, switched off engine then restarted, light went out, after a short while light came back on but steering still nice and light

i am mystified 

If they didn't remove the battery tray I don't see how they could have bled the steering as you have to turn the steering lock to lock to purge any air and then top it up. Only time will tell if the top-up solves the problem or not.

Edited 26 December, 20187 yr by TMB

On the positive side, it is partially self-bleeding. DAMHIKT!

Many thanks guys

silly question now

does the car have to be on axle stands when purging ?

Just now, Bossboy said:

Many thanks guys

silly question now

does the car have to be on axle stands when purging ?

 

Nope, just turn lock to lock until the bubbles stop.

Many thanks, much appreciated 

We got our new fabia pump fitted from skoda, and it came with 2 years warranty. I think most places will still give 1 year? Might he worth looking into if you aren't successful with the top up?

Hello,

unforunately 15 months since fitment 

It’s a TRW  pump, have seen somewhere they guarantee certain parts for 2 years

thanks