Is my Steering on its way out?

[GrizzlyUK]

Hi all,

My Ibiza is driving me nuts! Among the list of other little problems the car has.

This is by far the most worrying. I went out this morning and just as I was about to turn left, I've dropped down into second & my steering wheel just started locking up.

Also, its become very difficult to park the car & after all the squeeking of power steering trying to manouver into my parking space. You can really smell a burning smell. So this cant be good.

Its not the fluid & there is no leaks anywhere.

Anyone know what could it be? Steering rack maybe?
Anyone got an idea on price for a repair like this?

Thanks for any info.

 

[Fl@pper]

sounds like the belt from the smell and squeaking but as to why you'd need to see if the pumps free spinning

not sounding promising though

 

[suj]

belt/power steering pump mate!

mine used to do that and also squeeled, i changed the belt/tightened the new belt, that stiffness went (was the stiffness more in the rain? mne used to be amplified when wet)
but squeel is still there, i think it's the power steering pump pulley, or the whole pump!

 

[capt.slow]

power steering fluid

Urgent help needed.
I have just checked the power steering fluid level and it is almost dry.
I need to top it up immeadiately.
Unfortunately I cant find out the correct fluid to use anywhere!
Can anybody help please.
Cheers.

 

[Fl@pper]

try a local gsf or europarts or any vag dealer

all have websites and so many branches one will be local

 

[Robsadaddy]

mine's the same i have tempory pull to the left where it locks up and the steEring squeeks when full lock is on or near full lock when parking.
but to top it off 3 wheel bolts sheared off other day new hub bearings had to be done first
i was told my steering was the pump or belt
look at the front wheel held on by 1 bolt 100mph on motorway
Any Ideas where I Can Buy A Pump

 

[dmc4087]

Mine just started doing this too - more of a judder at low speeds/parking during full lock

I replaced the steering rack < 6 months ago, so I'm hoping its just the pump (as it would be MUCH easier to replace)