General intermitant power steering problem, any1 got any ideas please??.

[syms]

Hi all.

So glad to see theres a forum dedicated to fiats, I hope I find the answer I'm looking for.

I just got a Brava 1.4sx and have noticed a slight problem with the power steering. I've read in here about an electric motor (stupid sounding idea if you ask me, lol) that powers the pump. Is the pump powered by electric motor or is it belt driven??.

Anyhow, back to the problem. when driving the car the steering feels fine then it occasionally stiffens when cornering. I kinda noticed the problem more when I tried to park the car and found that the steering was pretty heavy until I revved the car a bit then it seemed to go lighter then back to heavy after revs slowed. Can any1 enlighten me as to the possible cause of this problem, please?. As I dont really fancy ending up having to go and pull my G/F outa ditch cause she lost control due to the power steering failing.

Thanks to any1 that can help.


WHY ME!!!!!!

 

[Helz]

First thing, since you seem to know a bit, I assume you have checked the fluid and it's up to scratch? IIRC it's belt driven so could check that out as well if fluid is OK

 

[gt3man]

I'm not too sure on your car, but on mine the pipes tend to crack with heat and loose fluid. This then makes the steering heavy & start to groan. I would start by checking the fluid level first. Also i would do a search and see if you can find a parts microfiche for your car.

 

[syms]

hi again.

I know bits and bobs about cars although anything major needing done I tend to let the experts deal with it. Also had a search in here for power steering problems.

I forgot to mention it's a 1998 s reg. Just to double check, if your looking in engine bay the power steering reservior is at the back slightly to the right with 2 black hoses comming out the bottom, I had to take sum fluid out it as the guy I got it from filled it to the brim. if it isn't I'm gonna feel my face getting redder with embarasment as I'm usually quite good with cars, lol.

thanks for the replies

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[fiat_-_bravo]

What I would do is go onto this website and phone the number that is on there. They will be able to identify the fault and advise you. the address is
http://www.powersteeringservices.co.uk/

 

[jug]

its belt driven on all bravo/as. if the steering gets lighter when you rev the car in a carpark its a classic sign that the pump is worn out (or the belt is very loose). usually the pump will produce full operating pressure at idle, when the revs rise the relief valve bleeds the extra pressure created to maintain the operating pressure. in your case there isnt enough pressure at idle so when you rev the pump finally manages to achieve operating pressure making the steering lighter.

obviously check for low fluid and correct belt tension, however im fairly confident you need a new pump, the damage may have been caused by a leak in the past, or even an existing leak, so try topping up and watch the level over time. once you are sure you have no leaks its time to get a scrapyard pump and fit it, easy job and the pump should be £10. remeber to remove it with all the hoses attached so you have spares for future use, or at least to replace any you may damage during fitting. its hard to know if you're getting a good pump in a scrapyard so low milage cars are your target, although most places will do an exchange or refund if you buy a duff one.

 

[syms]

finnaly got problem solved.

I ended up going to a local car scrapyard an they had a brava 1.4sx in with power steering pump still attached so i thought what the heck an got it. stuck it on car an hey presto the steering works the way it should.

so turns out it was the pump all along.

simon

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[mountainmachine]

Excellent glad you got it all sorted out!

 

[jug]

so turns out it was the pump all along.

just like i said
the best clue is when the steering goes lighter if you rev the car, thats a sure sign that the pump is not achieving operating pressure at idle.