Power steering fluid loss

[heraldsteve]

My sons Vectra C power steering has got intermittently heavy and when he checked the level of the fluid it was way below the dipstick. There are no signs of leaks so I was wondering if there may be some other known fault or reason for the fluid loss?

[paula9568]

check the gaiters on the stering rack,the seal goes with no visable fluid leak

[Ianmacf]

When I bought my Vectra, I had a once over from a trusted garage (after the event...doh) and they identified a leak on the underside about 1 ft from the wheel (on axle?). They said this was the powersteering fluid and a worn/faulty joint/seal, and would cost 300£ to sort (they said they couldn't just replace the seal).
There was no issue with the feel of the steering and the level was OK. After about 6 months, the steering felt heavy - it came on quite quickly. I topped it up and all was fine again. I top up about 1/2 litre every 6 months. On a 10 year old, 150K car it wasn't worth spending that amount of money. No issue passsing the MOT either apart from an advice.
My point is that that the heaviness didn't come on gradually.
Cheers, Ian

My sons Vectra C power steering has got intermittently heavy and when he checked the level of the fluid it was way below the dipstick. There are no signs of leaks so I was wondering if there may be some other known fault or reason for the fluid loss?

[autov]

You dont say what model of vec BUT if there is no sign of a leak i would syringe out the old oil thats in the reservoir and then refill with the correct oil to the correct level and see how it go's.

[JP777]

It will come on suddenly as as soon as air gets drawn into the system the steering will become heavy as air is compressible and fluid is for all intents and purposes not. Keep on topping it up while the seal leak isn’t too bad. You’ll know when it’s too bad, you won’t be able to keep fluid in the system.

[LastOne]

I had the same issue on mine, I solved it with a stop leak product from Halfords (can't remember the name) and it worked a treat. Power assistance was returned as soon as I refilled the PAS bottle.