Power steering intermittent, but always works on first start each day

1. dezzac Newbie Joined: Dec 2012 Posts: 18

   #1 21st June 2013, 21:52

   I know this has been asked a few times on here - however I've taken mine to a garage a couple of times and, as luck would have it, the power steering always works fine.
   
   I've had the problem for a few weeks now - PAS will always work the first time the car is started in the morning. However, when the engine is switched off and started again, around half the time the PAS won't work - and will take anything between 1 and 30 minutes to kick in again - recently it's taking longer for it to come back on again.
   
   The garage reckons that the steering rack may be at fault - if the blower works when the PAS doesn't (and the blower does work) - and that it wouldn't be worth getting this done on a car this age.
   
   Obviously it isn't the ignition switch at fault - I've read it could be the relay, but is this likely to be the case? Or is it more likely to be the rack as suggested by the garage?
   
   Thanks for any help.
2. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

   #2 21st June 2013, 22:07

   Your pas pump is on its way out mate.
3. dezzac Newbie Joined: Dec 2012 Posts: 18

   #3 21st June 2013, 22:14

   Thanks for your reply - I had thought of that at one point, just seemed a bit weird that the problem only exists sometimes, rather than the first time every day - seems to be a specific pattern of occurrences.
4. blackie_2k5 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Oct 2008 Birtley Posts: 22253 VTR Turbo, 106 xsi track slag, Transit recovery, B

   #4 21st June 2013, 22:24

   Check fluid but as Steve sais it's on it's last legs
5. Mickswan Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Apr 2013 Jarrow Posts: 4022 2003 Icelandic Grey 16v VTR 1991 Daihatsu GTti

   #5 21st June 2013, 22:30

   Mine needed the odd tap with a hammer before I replaced it.
6. dezzac Newbie Joined: Dec 2012 Posts: 18

   #6 21st June 2013, 22:40

   The fluid's fine, first thing I tried with it.
   I assume tapping it with a hammer is only a temporary solution?
7. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

   #7 21st June 2013, 22:42

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by dezzac The fluid's fine, first thing I tried with it. I assume tapping it with a hammer is only a temporary solution?

   Yes mate only a temp solution.
8. dezzac Newbie Joined: Dec 2012 Posts: 18

   #8 21st June 2013, 22:53

   Ah ok, thought that might be a bit too simple to last!
   Will look at getting the pump replaced in that case. Are second hand pumps generally alright to buy - or is there a strong chance that it'd do the same thing? I understand it would have a lot to do with age/condition etc but if these parts frequently fail then it would be nice to know!
9. Pricklep Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 31279 Citroen Saxo VTS, S60 D5

   #9 21st June 2013, 23:11

   look for the newest (53) and least milage. obviously. But yes used parts are hit and miss so its a chance you tek.
10. dezzac Newbie Joined: Dec 2012 Posts: 18

    #10 22nd June 2013, 00:44

    Ok I'll look out for that - guess it's no point buying a very well used part.
    Thanks for the advice everyone - at least now I know what to look for
11. dezzac Newbie Joined: Dec 2012 Posts: 18

    #11 22nd June 2013, 15:19

    Just one more question, does anyone know whether a Mk2 Saxo SX would use an electric or belt driven pump? Looks like there's two different parts for this model.
12. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

    #12 22nd June 2013, 16:16

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by dezzac Just one more question, does anyone know whether a Mk2 Saxo SX would use an electric or belt driven pump? Looks like there's two different parts for this model.

    All saxo`s use an electric pump,only difference to the pumps are that early saxo`s had a filler neck on the slam panel.Whereas late one`s the filler neck is shorter,but all saxo pumps fit all saxo`s.
13. dezzac Newbie Joined: Dec 2012 Posts: 18

    #13 22nd June 2013, 17:51

    Thanks again stevo for that, little chance of getting the wrong part now
14. Mickswan Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Apr 2013 Jarrow Posts: 4022 2003 Icelandic Grey 16v VTR 1991 Daihatsu GTti

    #14 22nd June 2013, 18:35

    Where are you from? I've got one going.
15. dezzac Newbie Joined: Dec 2012 Posts: 18

    #15 22nd June 2013, 18:42

    I'm from High Wycombe, near London?
16. Mickswan Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Apr 2013 Jarrow Posts: 4022 2003 Icelandic Grey 16v VTR 1991 Daihatsu GTti

    #16 22nd June 2013, 18:51

    Opposite end of the country, try Gumtree / ebay someone might breaking near you.
17. dezzac Newbie Joined: Dec 2012 Posts: 18

    #17 22nd June 2013, 18:55

    Ah ok, thanks anyway - seen a few on ebay so shouldn't be too much of a problem buying one.