Steering intermittently heavy at low speeds

[SYMON]

The steering on my 03 Vectra 2.2 SRI with 43k miles has become heavy while at low speeds.

It happens all the time now and the problem is intermittent. It feels fine then suddenly heavy and then back to fine while at low speeds.

I notice it when I set off on a journey, once on the move I do not notice a problem.

Any ideas?

[chrisvectra]

Have you checked the fluid level for the power steering bud?

[SYMON]

I've not been under it, but no evidence of leaks.

Can you check the reservoir without major hassle?

No low level light on the dash.

[I cdti]

Is it also badly affected by camber changes in the road? Could be tie rods? Check for play at the road wheel whilst it's jacked up.

[soulman]

could be the steering rack ...

[paulvectrac]

Check levels if not it's gonna be the rack changed my Lassis on her pug hdi the other day had the same problem

[sscully]

Same thing on mine. My mechanic told me its slight movement in the rack. He did say if it gets worse he could just change the knuckle whatever that is. Should cost 80quid instead of fitting the whole rack. Hope this helps I dont know anything more on it though

[alcutler]

The steering on my 03 Vectra 2.2 SRI with 43k miles has become heavy while at low speeds.

It happens all the time now and the problem is intermittent. It feels fine then suddenly heavy and then back to fine while at low speeds.

I notice it when I set off on a journey, once on the move I do not notice a problem.

Any ideas?

Any warning lights coming up on dash - could be alternator/battery

[SYMON]

Thanks for the replies.......I'll work it out.

[SYMON]

Well I've been too busy to do anything about the issue, but, I have been checking the internet for research and it seems that the pump is a common faliure on the Vec C.

The steering is getting worse too, harder and harder as the days go by.

So I'm fairly sure its the pump.

Going to do some checks tomorrow to make sure sufficient power is going to the pump and that all the connectors are corrosion free, etc, as low power can cause issues too.

Will report back as and when.