Power Steering

[Guest evsy]

in wet weather the steering on my 1997 tdi Galaxy go's hard, in the dry it works fine. Cannot find anything wrong with it,This is now doing my head in my wife will not drive the car if it's wet because the problem only happens now and again you come to a roundabout and it go's the next one it's fine. CAN ANYBODY HELP ME!!!

[Guest Paul Collins]

Water is getting onto the power steering pump pulley. There should be floortray underneath the engine and a cover for the towing eye.

 

I've been looking on a lot of cars recently, and I haven't seen a floortray yet! must be an annoyance to mechanics if they don't refit them. Just mention engine floortrays to a mechanic and be prepared for the swearing :angry:

 

I've never had the problem on mine, but, from an engineering point of view, I can see why you would have a problem.

 

Come to think of it, If I've seen at least 20 cars without trays, there must be a stockpile somewhere - sure beats the sheet of ally amid much cursing.

[Dave-G]

I ran a seat allhambra without an undertray...t'was fine in the summer but lethal in the wet! I have no idea if this is a problem for petrol galaxies,but as evsy's is an oil burner it IS dangerous! :( be afraid!! :angry: every time the off-side tyre hits water it will spray on to your power steering belt and pulley . . . . . . .and the result is zero power steering when you most likely need it most :P . Be very afraid!! Have you noticed that most puddles are on corners? Visit a scrapyard if you must, my old seat one is now on my post 2k galaxy,so I know the old fits the new.

[seatkid]

I ran a seat allhambra without an undertray...t'was fine in the summer but lethal in the wet! I have no idea if this is a problem for petrol galaxies,but as evsy's is an oil burner it IS dangerous! :o be afraid!! :blink: every time the off-side tyre hits water it will spray on to your power steering belt and pulley . . . . . . .and the result is zero power steering when you most likely need it most :angry: . Be very afraid!! Have you noticed that most puddles are on corners? Visit a scrapyard if you must, my old seat one is now on my post 2k galaxy,so I know the old fits the new.

All TDis should have an undertray fitted, the towing eye cover should also be fitted to prevent water getting onto the power steering belt. Check also the belt is tensioned correctly - change it if it damaged or high mileage.

 

see Ford TSB 058/2000 for further info

[william]

I have an under tray fitted but I still get problems when on full lock and the belt is under the greatest load.

 

If you look inside after wet weather you can see the water sitting on the inside of the tray under the PS pump.

 

I'm going to fill in ALL the gaps and check the belt tension.

[Guest SA Intruder]

And the belt condition. Use genuine, not Hal***ds.

[seatkid]

I have an under tray fitted but I still get problems when on full lock and the belt is under the greatest load.

 

Full lock problem is a design fault and not related to the wet belt syndrome

 

To quote Ford TSB 058/200

Subject: Power steering V-belt slips when wet

 

Summary

 

Note:

If the steering wheel is held on full lock for longer than 30 seconds, depending on the system, a temporary failure of the power assistance may occur when the steering wheel is turned back. Make sure that this is not the cause of this concern before carrying out the procedure in this bulletin.

 

 

Should a customer express concern about the power steering V-belt slipping when driving on wet road surfaces, the cause may be water spray on the accessory drive belt and pulley. The water spray passes through the towing eye opening or through a gap between the engine undershield and the side member.

 

To resolve the concern, the towing eye protective cover and the engine undershield should be checked for correct seating and new ones installed as necessary. If the towing eye protective cover is missing or not attached, immediately inform the customer of the importance of this component. Also, the drive belt should be checked for correct tension and wear according to TSB 27/1996. If the auxiliary drive belt is worn, install a new one according to Operation Number 31 413 0 (Workshop Manual/TIS-CD).

[Guest evsy]

THANKS everyone for your help. :angry: I've had a look and as said there is no undertray on the car :blink: so i will be replaceing the tray a.s.a.p.

AS I SAID THANKS AGAIN.. :o :D