Stiff Steering when Been raining??

[Naz]

Whenever it has been raining, my power steering plays up, kinda locks or sticks when im turning??

any ideas as to whats causing it? ive checked the reservoir and the level looks fine?

im guessing it could be either the pump? or the belt?

any help/advice is very much appreciated

 

[matt_s]

Probably the belt getting wet and slipping. Mk2 golf had a spash guard for this.

 

[bowenthepunk]

Yeah, same happens with mine, usualy only if its terrible weather and im turning left, never right for some reason. Ive always thought it was just the belt slipping.

 

[richypanic]

I have exactly the same problem. Only in extra wet weather. It only started after I took off the underside engine cover off due to an oil leak. Most people said its fine with this off... I wonder how many this affects who have left it off?? It is scary as hell, so now drive like an oap with 2 hands CLAMPED on the wheel @ 14:50 position whenever its raining!

 

[Sheff's Cordy]

mines the same in the wet do you get a loud squeal on full lock if so its the belt.

 

[m0rk]

Just tighten the belt?

 

[andyj]

as m0rk's said, just tighten the PAS belt, job done....

 

[richypanic]

For those not too up on mechanics, in tightening it up, would that be the thin belt on the drivers side just in front of the wheel? Got 3 bolts to slacken?! If so, Sundays job...

 

[m0rk]

Sounds about right... it's the one connected to the power steering pump

 

[Naz]

i think the main cause is the terrible rain and the fact that the undertray is not on!

not a biggie at the moment- will tighten it up one of the days!

i get the squeel on full lock 2..

 

[richypanic]

as m0rk's said, just tighten the PAS belt, job done....

What would the tool be thats needed to loosen these bolts? What size? I dont want to botch them up with my vast collection of mole grips! Got my 3 year old son to keep the wheels on full lock and bobs your uncle, one slipping and squeeking pas belt!

 

[M1KEH]

One 13mm spanner and a big adjustable spanner.

 

[suj]

i did it today, they were all 13mm (if under the car looking up, so legs facing the front of car)
there is 2 bolts on the right side of PAS Pump (one noticeable, other just up from it)
and 1 bolt on the left of PAS Pump

loosen them, then get something to lever the pump so it goes towards the front of car, and then tighten up nuts, took me 5mins exactly (but i did have a ramp, so much easier)