'Loose' steering...possible causes?

[adam13]

Hi,
I'm a relatively new (4 months) recent owner of a P-reg 1.4l Bravo which has been ferrying me back and forth to work fairly happily; lately however the steering seems slightly slack in the middle and the wheel has to be turned a long way in proportion to the amount of steering needed. Now, to turn a 90 degree corner I have to turn the wheel at least 180 degrees, which just feels too much. Trying to eliminate the problem, I've replaced the front tyres (one was a little worn) and fixed all the tyre pressures. It's due to go to a garage on Thursday; can anyone suggest what might be wrong with it and the kind of cost to expect?

Thanks!

 

[Anonymous]

Check the fluid level, chec the “wheel adjustement/aligment“, and it could be the hyd pump

sven

 

[adam13]

I'm new to cars in general - checking the power steering fluid level is obviously easy but what about the other things you mentioned?

 

[Sven]

Wheel adjustement / geometry must be done in a workshop or tire place, they align and set your wheels to the parameters needed. And the hyd pump can do a mechanic only - he can measure the pressure of the pump.

Sven

 

[Tom]

The steering rack on the bravo is far from quick, half a turn on the wheel sounds pretty normal to me. Its not a go-kart.