Punto 3dr 1200cc 8yrs old

After parking up last night and sitting with engine running on idle for 3 mins when I came to set off again my power steering became inactive.

As I turned the wheel to full lock and begun to move there was a slight pop and the power steering went off and the dashboard warning light came on for steering.

So I turned off the engine, restarted, light went off, and drove home approx 2 miles and there was no other problem.

Recently I have noticed a slight knocking noise now and then on drivers side and the steering has grinded sometimes when making sharp turns.

Any ideas would be much appreciated!

Sitting idling at night, particularly with lights on, will reduce the available output to the power steering.

Hence it will shut down.

Suspension/CV joints need looking at.

Cheers

SPD