Power Steering Issue.

[AcidicDavey]

In the recent wet weather I've noticed a fault while turning right only, it feels like the power steering is turning off while I've got some right-hand-lock. Kind of like extreme understeer when I hit a wet patch, but I can't turn the wheel further!
What is the likely cause? Failing rack? Pump? I'm hoping it's just the fluid low or something, anything else then I'll probably kill this car as it'll fail it's MOT in may anyway and I don't want to spend much money on this car!

[trog_nfs]

Belt. Change it. 

[AcidicDavey]

Didn't think of that 

A nice easy swap done with in a couple of secs I guess.

[trog_nfs]

Reasonably. Slacken a couple of bolts on the pump, swing it back and replace belt

[AcidicDavey]

Is the belt just for the power steering or is it a whole auxiliary belt?
Sorry to ask dumb Qs but I've barely looked under the bonnet of this car 

[thai-wronghorse]

Belt. Change it. 

This.

It's a very common issue for belts to slip on mk3's when wet as most of them are exposed road spray from the o/s wheel. New belt and if possible try and find an under engine cover from a 16v or TDI.

[javalin]

Worth checking tyre pressures and tracking too.  But probably belt.

[kahunajb]

Is the belt just for the power steering or is it a whole auxiliary belt?
Sorry to ask dumb Qs but I've barely looked under the bonnet of this car 

My 16v has a separate power steering belt and aux belt assume the 8v does too.

[javalin]

yeah 8v does aircon and power steering.

[Bandit127]

Is the belt just for the power steering or is it a whole auxiliary belt?
Sorry to ask dumb Qs but I've barely looked under the bonnet of this car 

My 16v has a separate power steering belt and aux belt assume the 8v does too.

+1. The belt for the power steering is the v-belt on the 8V.

There are about a billion (well, at least 6) bolts to choose from for releasing the pump body tension so the adjuster will work - finding the right ones is not obvious. Get the front up on axle stands to start with - you need to get in under the front bumper and in from the wheel well.

Don't force the adjuster - it is cast aluminium and will break really easily. If it won't move - loosen more bolts.

You will get it in the end. Loosening the adjuster will give you enough room to remove and replace the belt. Tighten back up until the belt feels like the slack has gone but not much more.