so i have noticed this problem getting worse over the past few months and ive just gone out in the car and its the worse its ever been.

when stationary and with the engine running you literally cannot move the steering wheel left or right without a fight, its a right battle to get it to go lock to lock. there is no squealing from the belt and no leaks, the belt was actually replaced last year @ thwaites as it was squealing.

when moving it seems fine. ive not actually checked the level but would assume that as there are no leaks it would be fine.

do i check the level when warm/cold and with the engine running or not?

the car has 18" xxr wheels with AD08R rubber and a DAMD steering wheel. its a 2007 sti with 77k on the clock

any ideas guys?

 

Try changing the fluid shreksta use a turkey Baster or large syringe to empty then refill with fresh and then turn steering from lock to lock to bleed it

 

lock to lock with the filler cap off?

is that the best way to drain it out? how much and which brand should i use?

 

Filler cap off when you bleed it try to suck out as much Old Fluid as you can as for brand any decent make power steering fluid atf fluid can also be used have a look on opie oils website

 

ok buddy i will give it a shot, ive just seen the price of a new power steering pump so deffo going to try the fluid 1st.

1L be enough?

 

1 litre will be fine speak to opie oils for what fluid to use

 

will do mate, cheers

 

just looked on their site and Motul DEXRON III Car Automatic Gearbox Oil (ATF) - 1 Litre is what they say is suitable

 

thanks matey just gotta get a baster now

 

I would be taking the return hose off the fluid reservoir and put it in a large bottle/suitable container,get someone to start the car whilst your filling with fresh fluid.
This way you will get all the old fluid flushed through...obviously you will need more than 1 litre tho.
Re connect the return hose then top up and give it some lock to lock.

 

i was just thinking i might get a couple of litres and try and get as much old out as possible even if it means diluting it with new. gonna get some fluid on order and send the mrs out for a baster over the weekend.

cheers guys

 

so i started the car this morning and went to the end of the road as the car is loud and it was 2-30 am. at the junction whilst stationary i went lock to lock without issue, i got to work and parked my car and tried lock to lock and it struggled again but not as much as yesterday. when i got home this evening i parked on my drive and tried lock to lock and it would hardly budge again.

may be a daft question but would surface types/angles have an impact on it?

 

Could be a few things , maybe steering parts tyres have they got enough air I'd look at all easy stuff like that , but if it is worst you could always get a 2nd hand pump from Matt

 

think i would prefer a recon unit over a 2nd hand unit. ive just checked tyre pressures and they are all fine and the steering fluid level when cold was in the middle of the 2 marks.

 

Another cause of heavy steering could be a partially seized steering knuckle /UJ especially if running a decat downpipe as the heat tends to dry the grease out in the UJ's.

Mick