Electrical Power Steering Failure - 2006 Panda

[t3sweeney]

Hi,

I have a 2006 Panda 1.1. The EPS started to fail intermittently a few months back but has recently completely failed. The battery is 7 years old but I had it tested and it was OK. I also have had teh EPS motor replaced (second hand unit) but I'm still getting the same problem.

I know this topic has been discussed before but I was wondering if anyone had any other ideas.

Thanks

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Oh dear oh dear oh dear. I put a tenner on battery being at fault if its the original.

Theres a difference between being 'fine' and '100%'. I suspect there was probably nothing wrong with the original steering unit.

I'd change the battery

 

[portland_bill]

If you have access to a voltmeter, or multimeter, attach it across the battery and see what it reads when the steering gives up. It is likely that when the steering demands huge power, the battery cannot cope.

Another possible issue could be a weak alternator. Due to the high current demand of the power steering motor, if the alternator is not capable of giving enough output, the battery may not cope with this demand as well as the rest of the car.

Put meter on battery, switch on everything you can, lights, heater fan, wipers, voltage should remain above 13v, ideally over 13.5v. If ok at this stage, then turn steering and see what happens. Hopefully this will point at either alternator or battery.

 

[t3sweeney]

Hi, I went ahead and replaced the battery but the power steering was still failing. I replaced the EPS motor I bought with the original just to check. The power steering is now greatly improved and only fails when I turn the wheel hard left.

I took the part back to the salvage yard and they offered me another EPS unit. The guy there said I needed to replace the entire unit. Up to this point I had only replaced the motor that fits into the side. Can this unit be split like this?

 

[portland_bill]

...The guy there said I needed to replace the entire unit. Up to this point I had only replaced the motor that fits into the side. Can this unit be split like this?

Should be replaced as complete unit.