Steering Fault

[samboy143]

Hi folks, I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on the fault i have,

Whilst on the ramp i had my front near side wheel off looking at the brakes and bearings, to gain a little more access i tried turning the steering wheel anti-clockwise, forgetting that i had a chock stopping the offside wheel moving.

With the car back together i took it off the ramp and immediatley found something wrong with the steering.... it is very heavy turning all the time both left and right.

Does anyone know if its the steering pump i have knackered or damaged anything else?

[alcutler]

Wouldn't have thought that would have damaged the steering pump - is your pump mounted on top of the steering pump - are you sure you have not disturbed the cables that connect to the pump - there are a couple of heavy duty ones that run into a multi plug that plugs into the steering pump that can be loose and give a bad connection. Check that its pushed home fully.
Any warning lights on your dash?

[m8internet]

With the engine idling, can you hear the power steering pump?

[samboy143]

Cheers, il have a look tomorrow when i can get it n the ramp again, and ill let you know

[m8internet]

You should be able to hear it running, without any need to use a ramp
Simply switch on the engine, then gently turn the steering (12 to 11 o'clock or 12 to 1 o'clock) and you should be able to hear it

[samboy143]

I had a look at it at all angles, found no leaks and nothing loose, although fluid level was lower than normal.

I took it for a short drive and found the fluid had gone right down, and noticed the rubber boots for the tie rods were wet, so seal/seals have gone instide the steering rack.

[m8internet]

Mine has gone the same way, just after the Power Steering Pump was replaced
Normally when the fluid is low, due to a leak, the pump switches itself off

As for a replacement, get your blankety blank cheque book out
I might not be bothering and it might be the end of my car;
Service is now due
MoT now due
Front brake pads and discs
Replacement Power Steering Rack
Residual value of vehicle £1100...
Spending £1100 on the above, it's really borderline