Power Steering Failure

**gsi.vxr** · 25th October 2010, 14:57

Power steering failed on my GSi the other day. Been told it may be the alternator; £189 from Vauxhall. And also been told it may be the PAS pump. £687 from Vauxhall. Ouch. Help! Anyone know what the most common fault is on these? And if so anywhere I can get cheaper parts?

Thanks guys and girls.

**WilliamLX** · 25th October 2010, 14:59

Is your battery charging? If all else on the electrics are ok, I would imagine it is not the alternator.

**gsi.vxr** · 25th October 2010, 15:00

Battery seems to be charging. No warning lights for alternator so I'm worrying it's the pump.

**WilliamLX** · 25th October 2010, 15:09

If you have a voltmeter (multimeter) you can check the alternator easily enough. Sad to say I would say that it is much more likely to be the pump. Power Steering cars do need a bigger alternator than the same car without, but I would imagine a failure in the alternator would show up as multiple electrical problems.

**Big-Pete** · 25th October 2010, 15:29

Moved to a more relevant section for you

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General Chat Any non-car related chat

**gsi.vxr** · 26th October 2010, 14:31

Originally Posted by Big-Pete

Moved to a more relevant section for you

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Thank you.

Bump!

**Dazzy2006** · 26th October 2010, 14:43

Start the car, using a multimeter check what voltage is at the battery - if it reads 13-14 volts your alternator is fine.

If you suspect the pump has had it cant you get one from ebay or breakers yard, got to be alot cheaper than main dealers.

**gsi.vxr** · 26th October 2010, 14:45

Yea, had battery and alternator checked, they're fine. Been looking into aftermarket pumps, found somewhere that can help but they need to know if it's a Saginaw or TRW pump? How do I find that out? Cheers.