Power Steering

[Len]

Power Steering packs up in wet.

Thought i had cured this by having the drive belt tensioned.

But it came back on way home from Brighton Sunday during heavy rain. It was a bit disconcerting to say the least - as i was blasting along dual carriageways then coming to roundabouts and finding that i had no steering - well had to work it really hard!

So is this one of those things or is the pump on its way out??

Or........

[golfvr6]

What does it do? squeal?

[Len]

Nah just stops working - so you need to use your muscles to turn the wheel. Even then its really jerky!

[wolfrace]

Hi Len405,

I'm not mechanically minded so dont claim to have the solution - but just talking to a guy here yesterday who coincidently had the same problem. The electrical cables apparently become porous over the years and so let in the moisture on damp and wet days. Therefore his power steering wouldnt work when it was wet or raining.

Cant be sure this is your problem too but hopeit helps?

Good luck!

[adyh]

Sounds electrical to me , check for loose/dirty connections etc .

[Len]

Sorry guys - surely not electrical. I thought the pump was driven off the engine! In fact i'm bloody sure it is!

 

[golfvr6]

The pump is mechanical, run off the engine.

[Overseer]

I don't know how true this is, but I've heard water can splash up onto the belt...

It might be worth pulling over next time and having a peek.

[Len]

Think thats whats happening.
Gonna get a new drive belt fitted. If that cures it then fine, or it will tell me if its worse i.e the pump.

Good suggestion Overseer but dont always have two people in car when it happens. Need 2 coz one to look at belt to see if it jumps or slips and other to turn wheel. And its got to be heavy rain........

[Golfer]

This happens on my Mk3 GTi in really heavy rain too.

It also happens on my mate's Fiat Coupe in heavy rain.

It is due to water getting onto the belt and making it slip.

You could try a new belt to improve the tension,  but I think it may just be a weakness.