Swiss tone

Hi all, seems like I have a power steering fault?

At low revs ie when parking, seems like I have no power steering help and its really heavy until I put some revs back on to about 2.5 thou?

Think the fluid is clean and belt looks tight so not sure if I need to have the pump changed? It's a 2004 car but only done 34k miles. Seems no prob when driving normally, just at low revs.

Any ideas before big expense!?

Cheers for any help!

Hawkeye D

And the fluid level is ok? Any leaks from under the car or on the undertray?

Swiss tone

Hi hawk eye! Thanks for asking!
No sign of leaks and fluid level perfect. Only had car for a week or two and didn't notice when buying but sure there is a prob. Local garage said might be due to it being only used as a weekend car and said prob change the pump! He thought there was a valve in the pump and one on the rack?
Yes the under tray is clean.
It's the sti wr1.
As soon as I put some revs on it seems to kick in. Makes parking difficult parking with revs though! Ha

jura11

iTrader: (7)

Hi there

Yes this can be due this because hasn't been used as daily car,but still I would check if something doesn't touching steering knuckle

Jura

Swiss tone

Cheers! Looks like I need to take the tray off and look.

jura11

iTrader: (7)

Hi there

Yes you can have look underneath of the car,but you should be able to see if you look where is the turbo and look there

Just check too if in Power steering fluid are not bubbles

Jura

Swiss tone

I will do that, cheers. If I do eventually find anything, I'll post the result!

Eprom

I would inspect the belt, they can wear in the grooved section of the belt, and it looses it's grip, the belt can be tight, but it won't grip.

I had this problem on a MY99 changed the belt and all came good.

Swiss tone

Hi Eprom, thanks for that! I have managed to get a second hand Sti pump but i might just try a new belt and fluid then first. Is it poss to tell by looking at the belt if i get someone to operate it? You think i would see it slip? It does seem tight but as you say, it could be worn? Tonight i did feel a little judder on the steering wheel. Cheers!

Swiss tone

Well, fitted a second hand pump, new belt and new AT fluid.

After a nightmare bleeding all the air out and replacing most of the hose clips, it seems much better but still fells like there is not enough assistance to me? I need to compare with another STi i guess as i'm sure it wasn't as heavy as this on my WRX turbo?

It sounds quiet with no noises. when stationary at idle and turning wheels lock to lock (has to work hard I guess) i can sometimes feel a slight hessitation.

I just would prefer it to be a bit lighter and don't know where to go from here? Maybe some air still in it or duff pump I bought? could it be the rack?

All of you with an Sti, how much muscle do you have to use when stationary and turning lock to lock?

sharpy2010

iTrader: (1)

2005 Blobeye here, and I can practically do it with one finger in my STi, even when sat stationary (not that I like doing that, as it can cause undue wear and tear, but for the purposes of this test, it takes practically no effort).

Hope that (sort of) helps.

bugeyejohn

iTrader: (11)

My steering goes a little heavy on low revs when the battery is down from being stood up. I put it down to the extra load put on the belt from the alternator at least I hope that's all it is.

Swiss tone

Cheers for that, sure mine isn't as good as that! Last look this w/e before booking in for a professional view. It's not that bad but not right and that niggles me!