Joe_H said:

Hi G.
I tent to agree with Tony that the issue is almost certainly in the power assisted steering.
The unit is operated by hydraulic pressure from the pump and actuation valves that sense movement from the column.
If a fault exists in the Powered Steering then the effect would be exactly as you describe.
No 'notch' issues - etc - Notch issues are are caused by a worn pinion to rack. - this is, imo, not the case here.
A Power assist valve issue - on a perfectly normal rack - could well cause loss of, and progressive reduction in assist in as single direction only.

Tony is correct in suggesting removing the PS belt for a small test.
If EQUALLY heavy in both directions then the issue is probably the PSU. It will certainly be the Steering RACK if this is the case - not the pump unit.
Hope that helps ?
Joe.

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gstuart said:

thks and kept a note of what tony has said and won't just pin the fault with the drive shafts

will make sure they test it out fully and know they wouldn't rip me off

imagine it will be a few weeks until i can get the car in the garage , but will of course keep everyone up to date of findings

do appreciate the heads up

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Joe_H said:

No worries mate.
I must confess to having severe back issues - working for the NHS in an earlier life as a paramedic - lifting 20 stone muppets etc has knackered my back also.
I am lucky - I suppose - to be living in a country where I can get excellent and reasonably competent guys (with 'guidance' ) to do the work as I instruct - for 5 euro an hour.
Long gone are the days of me EVER crawling under a vehicle. I simply do not need to.

I know this is hardly possible in the UK .. unfortunately.

I just instruct my 'man' / 'men' to do exactly what I want doing - no more and no less.
I also monitor the work
It all works VERY well indeed...... everyone is happy and the local economy is boosted.

I don't know which is worse - a knackered back or a dodgy ticker ? -- I await another stent or bypass...
Older age is excellent aint it

But fek it - just pay some other bod to do the graft - they do not even need an 'O' level in common sense if you monitor them.
Sorted. ............................

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