Power steering - super heavy - no warning lights

[jojocity]

I'm having an issue of a heavy Steering with the exception that no lights are coming up . we have replaced the pump and the angle sensor and checked also the supply wires going to the pump. Fuses , earth cable, battery and cables to and fro where checked.  Hydraulic oil replaced to make sure its not the cause. Can someone please illuminate me.  Can't find other option even tough we searched this forum for which i thank you all, the net and took the car to two electricians to check for codes/error. i'm starting to think its an issue with the mechanical part of steering rack/shaft maybe some seals etc. Any help would be highly appreciated 😞   

[Breezy_Pete]

Has the clutch been replaced recently?

[jojocity]

yes it was like before Covid  

[Breezy_Pete]

Did the steering problem start immediately after the clutch change, or not until recently?

[jojocity]

not really sure. what is known is that it started gradually and then got heavy in less than 2 weeks. Do you think there is something related to the clutch ?

[jojocity]

infect my wife confirmed that its started getting heavy after that service when the clutch was replaced. .

[Breezy_Pete]

Is it a RHD car, or LHD? I can't remember which side of the road you drive on in Malta.

[jojocity]

we drive exactly like UK.  RHD

[Breezy_Pete]

So have a look at this diagram. Bolt number 23 (61mm long) holds the lower engine mount (item 22) into the subframe.  It goes into a captive nut right below the steering rack hydraulic piston tube.

If one of the 65mm long bolts which hold the gearbox to the engine block is accidentally mixed up with this bolt during the clutch change, it can dent the rack, causing this kind of problem.  Usually the hard steering is more one way than the other. Is that what's happening?

https://skoda.7zap.com/en/cz/fabia/fab/2006-453/1/199-199020/

[jojocity]

yes infect it was more on the left than on the right. I guess that's the issue but i have to check with my mechanic now . thanks a lot Wino I will keep you informed with the outcome.   

[GT0161]

Hi there I have recently had my clutch replaced too and after the steering has been awful super stiff I have replaced the steering pump And still was happening so 

I have acquired a rack second hand and I am in process of having it fitted hoping it resolves my problem I will keep you posted I’m hoping to get the car back for Friday 

[GT0161]

Update 

replaced steering rack all is fine said bolt that was lost had caused tiny tiny damage Like Brand new 

[jojocity]

so you replaced your rack and now is fine? today my mechanic will check it out.

 

[jojocity]

Dear Wino, would like to thank you for your prompt reply and support. Just wanted to let you know that this weekend we have replaced the steering rack since it was slightly damaged when fixing the engine mount as you have indicated clearly. After replacing the rack the system was refreshed from errors, since the steering warning light came on and there we go, working to perfection . thanks for your support .