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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: gazman1011 on 29 September 2010, 10:18

Title: steering getting heavy randomly
Post by: gazman1011 on 29 September 2010, 10:18

every now and then my power steering gets really heavy. wat could it be? can it be fixed or get a new one? where is the power steering pump situated?

thanks

Title: Re: steering getting heavy randomly
Post by: snifferdog on 29 September 2010, 10:25

Could be the power steering belt?! This is known to happen more in wet weather.

Title: Re: steering getting heavy randomly
Post by: gazman1011 on 29 September 2010, 10:34

how do i check and where is it?

Title: Re: steering getting heavy randomly
Post by: Deano2711 on 29 September 2010, 10:40

It's on the left hand side of the engine Mate as you look. There is an alternator belt (fan belt) and the power steering belt both together. Right next to the inner wing. I would have thought that if the belt was at fault the problem would not be intermittent.  Also check the fluid level while you are there.

Title: Re: steering getting heavy randomly
Post by: luckycharms on 29 September 2010, 10:45

happened mine too, particularly at tight roundabouts. I also got belt screeching near full lock while parking

Might be worth giving the belt tensioner a squeeze, solved mine

Title: Re: steering getting heavy randomly
Post by: Len on 29 September 2010, 10:50

Yep will be the belt!
You can re-tension it but that wont last long. Best to replace it. They only cost a fiver from ECP. (£4.82) Make sure you get the correct one as it depends if you have air-con or not!
Fairly simple job but has to be done from underneath as you have to drop the undertray anyway.

Also do check the fluid level.

I did this to mine recently and made a big difference to the steering!

On my 4th belt in 7 years, so that shows they need regular attention.

Title: Re: steering getting heavy randomly
Post by: jonnygti66 on 29 September 2010, 11:57

+1 on that one!!  :smiley:

Title: Re: steering getting heavy randomly
Post by: gazman1011 on 29 September 2010, 18:07

thanks all, going in garage tomoz for a new belt fitting, hope it solves it, ill let you all know

Title: Re: steering getting heavy randomly
Post by: stainesy on 29 September 2010, 22:02

is it in wet weather when this happens?
on my old mk3 golf when ever i went through a pudle or any water my power steering would not work as the water would go up into engine bay and make belt slip.

Title: Re: steering getting heavy randomly
Post by: gazman1011 on 30 September 2010, 09:34

yea its more when its inwet weather! p1ssed me off lol

Title: Re: steering getting heavy randomly
Post by: Khare on 30 September 2010, 10:57

I've never had wet weather issues with PAS  :undecided: Always had decent PAS system apart from when pump went in one occasion and steering rack on the other.

Title: Re: steering getting heavy randomly
Post by: stainesy on 30 September 2010, 12:02

My old mk3 had wet wether issues as somebody had removed the splash guard.

Title: Re: steering getting heavy randomly
Post by: gazman1011 on 30 September 2010, 14:12

well she just come out of garage will full bill of health, new pas belt fitted, and she like new again.

Title: Re: steering getting heavy randomly
Post by: snifferdog on 30 September 2010, 15:46

Nice one!  :smiley: