Pas Problem

[mbayley77 0]

I have a problem with my PAS. it is actually on my Impreza but the set up is the same as pug etc with pump, pipes and rack.

 

Seems to be going tight as if binding up on something when I am turning. Happens on both left and right turns at all speeds. Doesnt appear to have lost any fluid from the resorvoir. Its really offputting when driving and isnt really the safest thing to be doing on the road.

 

Sometimes makes a bit of a grawnching noise (sounds like its in the column but unsure) and doesnt happen all the time.

 

i had this problem a couple of weeks ago and then it got better. now seems to be back again. I have a track day booked for next Monday so really need this sorted.

 

It goes from feeling like power steering to feeling like normal non power steering. Could it be airlocks? why would i have them? Its doing my head in and really un-nerving to drive.

 

Any help appreciated.

 

Thanks

[welshpug 1,657]

definitely sounds like airlocks or dead fluid, do you know if it has been changed at all?

 

on a pug its a reasonably straightforward job to drain and refill, just undo the pipe unions on the rack and drain the fluid from the rack by turning it slowly from side to side, and the resevoir will just drain down the pipe but it will be quicker to use a syringe to drain it.

 

to refill simply top up the resevoir and turn the steering from lock to lock slowly, when the level no longer drops start the engine up and check that the level is stable, let the system cool then re-check the level.

 

not sure on the exact details of the system and layout on an Impreza but as you say most systems are along the same principles.

[Richie-Van-GTi 72 2 Cars]

assume you have checked the levels are fine, it shouldnt airlock as they are self bleeding with the correct amount of fluid.

Is it belt driven? my rover done a similar thing and it was the belt slipping.

[mbayley77 0]

Yeah just checked the levels and look to be within the tolerance on the stick but on the low side. Will fill tomorrow.

 

Is there a scientific way of checking the belt tension? I dont want to over do the tension and do the bearings in the pump.

 

Cheers

[sutol 0]

I had a problem like this on a 205 and it turned out that the pipe from the rack to the resrvoir was kinked under the battery tray.

Worth a check that all the pipes are straight and true.

[mbayley77 0]

Thanks for the replies people. Just went to top up the fluid and cant find any!!! Will have to wait till tomorrow.

 

Funny though as was fine going to work this morning in the cool, and then played up on the way home this evening. Now just come home again from being out in the cool and all seemed fine.

 

Can any of this really be affected by subtle changes in temperature. Cos if so then i am going to struggle on a track day when everything is piping hot!