All yer need to do is look at the power steering pump and see if the pulley (wheel) on it is turning when the engine is running. It should be. Be careful where yer put yer paws when the engine is running. Don't put them near anything moving.
 
The engine turns the power steering pump constantly when it's running, via a belt. The pump shifts the power steering fluid round the power steering pipes. As you turn the steering wheel, the power steering fluid pressure is biased a bit more to one side or the other, in the steering rack. This is the basics of how yer get the power assistance to help yer steer.

Yer need to make sure the power steering pump is constantly being turned when the engine is running.

Make sure there's fluid int power steering system.

Make sure the power steering pipes haven't been kinked or trapped, stopping the fluid flow int side.
 
Good point about the pipes Hippo. Definitely worth checking.
On my FL1 one of the power steering hoses has partially collapsed.
I'm sure this limits fluid flow and likely increases the effort needed to steer but it will have to reach
the Armstrong point to make me splash for an expensive new hose. For now I can live with it!
 
Hippo said:
All yer need to do is look at the power steering pump and see if the pulley (wheel) on it is turning when the engine is running. It should be. Be careful where yer put yer paws when the engine is running. Don't put them near anything moving.
Click to expand...
 
Thanks hippo for the tip , will check it out . Also as the 100.000 miles is up will change the drive belt and tensioner. As don’t know if has been done in the past . It’s a 2009 plate Gs Td4 model. Thanks again
 
Have you jacked the front up so both wheels are off the ground, then turn a wheel by hand from lock to lock to check for any mechanical stiffness/obstruction in movement?

Col
 
Yep I did that when changing the filter and fluid . Turning the street side to side was easy and it’s a way of getting the air out of the system . When the wheels are on the floor engine running turning to the left is ok going to the right is when you feel it get heavy . But normal driving is all good etc
 
Rich in Vancouver said:
On my FL1 one of the power steering hoses has partially collapsed.
Click to expand...
It's supposed to be flat.;)
Rich in Vancouver said:
I'm sure this limits fluid flow and likely increases the effort needed to steer but it will have to reach
the Armstrong point to make me splash for an expensive new hose. For now I can live with it
Click to expand...
Don't waste your money. The new hoses are also flat. It's done to reduce fluid noise from the system. The flat hose is on the pump inlet, so doesn't affect power assistance.
 
Hi all , update on heavy steering problem. I changed the auxiliary belt and tensioner & water pump yesterday . This was after deciding what to do and then waiting for parts . To be honest not 100% confident this has resolved the problem . On backing out of garage it felt pretty much the same . Noticed the engine was a lot quieter . Anyway I still have the under tray to put back later , then take it for a run to see etc . Many thanks to all for your input and have a merry Christmas, and a great 2019
Cheers
 
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Back again with the news that new belt tensioner etc has made no difference to the steering, . On reading the posts from members ( thanks ) there is only 3 things left. New pas pump ? Steering rack ? Or ball joints. Where to next ???
 
Is the power steering pump noisey? When the engine is oft and the belt oft... If yer turn the power steering pump does it feel or sound rough?
 
Hippo said:
Is the power steering pump noisey? When the engine is oft and the belt oft... If yer turn the power steering pump does it feel or sound rough?
Click to expand...
Hi Hippo , to be honest I don’t know ! I did check the cog where the belt sits connected to the pump , there was no signs of any movement or noise . I have ordered a new pump so will let you know the outcome, merry Xmas and thanks again for your reply
 
Pingboy said:
Hi Hippo , to be honest I don’t know ! I did check the cog where the belt sits connected to the pump , there was no signs of any movement or noise . I have ordered a new pump so will let you know the outcome, merry Xmas and thanks again for your reply
Click to expand...
Hippo , thanks for liking the latest thread . Apologies for not getting back sooner time of the year etc. Will let you know the outcome as I have had to book the car into the local garage to fit the pump . I did manage to get all way to removing it but unable to get access to the final bolt situated at the back , due to the wheel being in the way .. will keep updated . Happy new year and thanks again
 
Rich in Vancouver said:
Of those three it's most likely to be the pump.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Hi Rich
Many thanks for the reply , will let you know next week as I have to concede that I could not get the old pump off due to a bolt ( the last one ) undone as it is right at the back end and the wheel where the belt sits in is in the way. I have booked it in to local garage to have the pump I bought swapped over etc . Have s great night tonight and a happy new year mate , thanks again
 
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