Power Steering Problem ?

[Leigh]

Hello one and all,

 

Thought I would sound out all you experts before starting work and wasting money !

 

My 1996 2 litre Galaxy has just failed the MOT on inadequate power steering when the vehicle is stationary.

 

It does make a screetching noise when the steering wheel is turned in either direction and can be a bit

stiff and juddery.This is only when the vehicle is stationary or being slowly manouvered.The car is fine when driving.They said I would need a new power steering pump at about

[Ivor_E_Tower]

AFAIK the level of assistance isn't an MOT requirement and I think you have been "done" unfairly. Any MOT tester like to comment?

[mumof4]

check the VOSA website.....there is an appeal process aswell.

 

 

http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/

 

 

components tested...

 

http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/carlgvowners/m...nentstested.htm

 

 

new retest procedures.(from Aug 06)

 

 

http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_...ads_611105.hcsp

[Masked Marauder]

MOT Tester's Manual, Section 2.3 - Power Steering

 

Information

 

This inspection applies to all types of power/assisted steering systems.

 

The engine must be running for this inspection.

 

Method of Inspection

 

1. With the front road wheels on the ground, vehicle in neutral gear and the parking brake applied, run the engine and rock the steering wheel in both directions

 

Check

a. by feel at the steering wheel, that the system is operating. Reason for rejection: Power steering malfunctioning or inoperative

 

b. for leaks in the system. Reason for rejection: a leak in the system showing that a component Joint or seal has failed (Note: Make sure the fluid has leaked from the power steering system and not from another source)

 

c. that pipes are free from damage and are not chafing on other parts of the vehicle. . Reason for rejection:a fluid pipe excessively damaged, or fouling other parts of the vehicle.

 

2. Where practicable, check the security of the power steering pump and the condition of its drive system. Reason for rejection: Pump insecure or its drive system missing or defective.

 

Steering linkage

 

The inspection of all parts of steering linkage associated with the power steering mechanism is detailed in sub-sections 2.2B and 2.2C

 

In my opinion, the reason for failure is most likely under inspection 1(a) above.

 

Check your fluid level and the condition of the drive belt.

[Leigh]

Thanks for your replies and assistance. I shall follow this up over the weekend.

 

Cheers,

Leigh

[Masked Marauder]

Can I add that I doubt very much that it will be the pump that is faulty. They are lifetime items really and if it is fine when the car is moving then it is most likely the belt slipping.

 

My car gets taken to an MOT station where they DON'T do repairs, only MOTs.........

[Leigh]

Hello all,

 

Just an update. It did turn out to be a faulty power steering pump. I fitted a recon pump(

[Masked Marauder]

Glad to hear you got it fixed. As you had to change the pump then it would most likely have been the pressure relief valve spring. failing.

[Guest Fraser]

Hello one and all,

 

Thought I would sound out all you experts before starting work and wasting money !

 

My 1996 2 litre Galaxy has just failed the MOT on inadequate power steering when the vehicle is stationary.

 

It does make a screetching noise when the steering wheel is turned in either direction and can be a bit

stiff and juddery.This is only when the vehicle is stationary or being slowly manouvered.The car is fine when driving.They said I would need a new power steering pump at about