d7ve_b 44 1 Cars Posted April 24, 2006 Hi All, My 205 has PAS fitted, but this is only noticeable by the fact that I can see the PAS resovoir in the engine bay! The steering is heavy when standing (running 185-55-15s) but feels spot on at speed. I haven't identified what has caused the death of the PAS yet, but I am hoping to this weekend therefore I have a few questions: What are the main points of failure on these? When attampeting to diagnose the problem, does anyone have any tips on where I should be looking first? The big question is then, should I keep it or just remove it? I bought the car for its legendary handling and I don't really mind the heavy steering that much, but I suppose PAS would be nice. On the other hand I don't want to lose any of the feel and if it costs big money to repair then its coming off. Has anyone had this dilemma before who could offer valuable experience? Thanks, Dave. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Butler 0 Posted April 24, 2006 I have the exact same issue. Changed the PAS pump to no avail. Looking into getting a whole rack from somewhere. Waiting for pay day. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
d7ve_b 44 1 Cars Posted April 24, 2006 I have the exact same issue. Changed the PAS pump to no avail. Looking into getting a whole rack from somewhere. Waiting for pay day. If you don't mind me asking, how much did the PAS pump set you back? and how did you diagnose it to be faulty? Thanks, Dave. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dream Weaver 2 Posted April 24, 2006 I've removed mine and it feels no different, except maybe when parking. Steering is still light when driving it normally, even round town. My thinking was that its one less thing to go wrong. Where abouts in North Manchester are you? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Butler 0 Posted April 24, 2006 If you don't mind me asking, how much did the PAS pump set you back? and how did you diagnose it to be faulty? Its wasn't faulty. I still have the problem. I changed it, because it was the cheapest easiest thing to start with. I think I'll either remove it, or more likely get a new rack. Another member on here as a reconned one for sale. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
d7ve_b 44 1 Cars Posted April 24, 2006 I've removed mine and it feels no different, except maybe when parking. Steering is still light when driving it normally, even round town. My thinking was that its one less thing to go wrong. Where abouts in North Manchester are you? I agree on the 'one less thing to go wrong' comment, I also reckon I'll save some weight I'm in littleborough near Rochdale. Its wasn't faulty. I still have the problem. I changed it, because it was the cheapest easiest thing to start with. I think I'll either remove it, or more likely get a new rack. Another member on here as a reconned one for sale. Ah right, well good luck with the rack if you decide to take that route. Did you get a price for the reconned rack? I need to get under mine at the weekend to understand the setup of the pump and rack etc as I have little experience with 205's. I take it there's no way to test the pump without replacing it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steve@cornwall 100 Posted April 24, 2006 The steering is heavy when standing (running 185-55-15s) but feels spot on at speed. Isn't it a progressive system? ie almost useless at low speed (when wanted) then increased assistance when you don't! Put pas on 87 cti and didn't like it at all, makes it feel like the arse end is trying to overtake you at quick corners, or was mine FUBAR? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dream Weaver 2 Posted April 24, 2006 I'm in littleborough near Rochdale. Near Hollingworth, i'm not far from you, over near Burnley Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Banjo 1 Posted April 24, 2006 (edited) Thats the wrong way round Steve, assistance at low speed getting less as the cars speed increases. If it was my car I would take all the pas bits off just leaving the rack (With the ram removed) then you've got yourself a free quick rack.. Try a search Ben Edited April 24, 2006 by Banjo Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
keith 0 Posted April 25, 2006 i personally hated pas! gave the car a strange feel when cornering at speed, just diddnt seem in control. i would ditch it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steve@cornwall 100 Posted April 25, 2006 Thats the wrong way round Steve, assistance at low speed getting less as the cars speed increases.If it was my car I would take all the pas bits off just leaving the rack (With the ram removed) then you've got yourself a free quick rack.. Try a search Ben cheers Ben, probably knackered on mine then! it was free so ...... I'm for ditching it too! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Simes 248 2 Cars Posted April 25, 2006 (edited) I've removed mine and it feels no different, except maybe when parking. Definitely at parking and allied to that when it's cold it's very heavy but once on the move it's great and you get enormous feedback in every bend. Technically an MOT failure due to a PAS rack with no assistance = PAS not working. Edited April 25, 2006 by Simes Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dream Weaver 2 Posted April 25, 2006 Just need a friendly MOT tester Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Butler 0 Posted April 25, 2006 Drove about the first 10 miles of my journey home last night and my PAS was working fine again then went heavy again. Gone heavy again today. Weird. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Craigb 2 Posted April 25, 2006 Drove about the first 10 miles of my journey home last night and my PAS was working fine again then went heavy again. Gone heavy again today. Weird. Could that be a sticking pressure relief ? Don't quite know how the pump works , but those symptoms would indicate that in a standard hydraulic application.. varying pressure ? therefore varying weight assistance Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Butler 0 Posted April 25, 2006 I have already changed the pump. So I assume its the ram. Top mounts are fairly new too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
d7ve_b 44 1 Cars Posted April 25, 2006 It might have to go then. Theres a few other things that need sorting which are going to cost a fair bit, and I can live without PAS. Best figure out how to rip the lot out! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madspikes 41 1 Cars Posted April 27, 2006 You guys with PAS, do you find the car wonders and changes direction on it own accord sometime? On a nice flat track its ok, A and B roads it can be a pig. I've got PAS and also thinking of sacking it for this reason. The steering isnt too heavy whist parking, most newer cars have lighter steering. It also can get a little too light at speed. (Sorry of the bit of a highjack!) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Butler 0 Posted April 27, 2006 No. Unless there's camber changes, but i think thats down to the camber from the 309 wishbones and running 195 wide tyres. Maybe you have play in the steering or something else is a miss. Wishbone bushes are a common issue. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
madspikes 41 1 Cars Posted April 27, 2006 Its not arms or bushes been down that route. I suppose it is when the camber changes, ok so that might be down to the 195s I'm running. The PAS isnt safe yet! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mbayley77 0 Posted April 27, 2006 I have been toying with the idea of putting PAS onto mine but from what is being said I think i shall just use the rack to make it a quick one. My rack has play in it also at the mo which causes it to wonder on the road and almost fail its mot which they thought was a ball joint or track rod end??? duh Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
888rmb 6 Posted April 27, 2006 If when you undo the track rod ends from the hub, the track rods fall down and flop about, then the ball joint is knackered on the inner end of the track rod. This will cause the car to wander about on the road. You can change the track rods, they are not too dear from the likes of Eurocar parts. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
