QuestionDear Experts, I have a 2004 Vauxhall Astra Sport 1.6 and the power steering keeps coming and going. I am not driving it for obvious reasons but I would like to know what the probable cause of this is and how much it should cost to fix. Vauxhall have quoted me nearly £500 to fix it. The power steering fluid is in the pump and the mechanic who towed me home yesterday reckoned it was the pump at fault but would this cause the intermittent nature of the power steering or wouldnt it cut off the PS completely. I need to know what the worst scenario might be financially as I dont want to get it to Vauxhall if I'm not going to be able to pay the bill! Is this a problem any experienced mechanic can fix or does it have to be a Vauxhall specialist? Thanx for your help and advice. I'm really worried, I looked into returning the car and terminating my agreement under the 'half-rule' until I found out I'd still be liable for the repairs!
Answerfirst.
Make sure the fluid level is full.
Jack the front wheels off the ground (or park on soft ground EG grass) and (with the engine switched OFF) turn the steering slowly from lock to lock about 10 times. (Hard work maybe)
Take the car down/drive and check the steering.
That could fix it if it's an air lock in the system it's called Priming the system.
Also it could be a worn drivebelt to the power steering pump - check the belt tension.
It could be the rack, the pump, the pipes.. very hard to diagnose without hands on.
Worn pump can fade, cut out, jam, sieze, be intermittent, anything really
I'd also be suspicious of the rack, as this has valves that can intermittently stick.....
Have it checked at a "normal~" cheap garage - I reckon it will be the rack.
