PAS problem

plankton · #1 21st February 2012, 11:36 AM

The PAS on my A8 has never felt right. Has always felt too heavy. Recently I've had more symptoms - on turning the steering wheel, you get odd spots where it feels like the PAS has stopped working, then it comes back in again.

Is this likely to be the Power Steering Pump, or something else?

How much would I be looking at to get this sorted at an indie?

Thanks.

sloss · #2 21st February 2012, 11:43 AM

Tell us the exact vehicle.

Have you checked the fluid level? Always the first thing to do

plankton · #3 21st February 2012, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sloss

Tell us the exact vehicle.

Have you checked the fluid level? Always the first thing to do

It's a 1999 4.2V8 (not sport)

I've not checked the fluid level

I'll check that when I get home. Previous owner had mentioned problems with the steering feeling heavier after the car had some work for the MOT ("Control Arm and Stabiliser Link"). There was a post about it on these forums, but I can't find it. (User seems to have gone / posts missing)..

sloss · #4 21st February 2012, 12:19 PM

Fluid check first.

On a gravel/sand ie soft surface get someone to turn the wheel while you listen outside for any creaks or groans. Do not do this while stationary on a hard surface as that ruins steering joints.

It should be smooth all the way with very little or no noise.

Check if the wheel is jerky in places and note all these items and post back.

plankton · #5 21st February 2012, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sloss

Fluid check first.

On a gravel/sand ie soft surface get someone to turn the wheel while you listen outside for any creaks or groans. Do not do this while stationary on a hard surface as that ruins steering joints.

It should be smooth all the way with very little or no noise.

Check if the wheel is jerky in places and note all these items and post back.

Thanks for that

I'll give this a go when I'm next home and report back. (Car's in the garage at home). I'm not going to be home until Saturday afternoon, so I'll report back sometime over the weekend.

PsYcHe · #6 21st February 2012, 01:34 PM

Sounds like it could be the servotronic too.. Mine has started doing something similar now and again when parking.