CITROEN XANTIA - POWER STEERING PROBLEM

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
View Threaded
Wed 9 Mar 2011 16:20
CITROEN XANTIA - POWER STEERING PROBLEM - Red Rich

Hi there

I recently cleaned my LHM tank as fluid was all old, I have replaced with Hyraflush , Since change my power steering is on/off , I am not sure if this is air in the steering or low pressure!

Have you any pointers of waht I can do (maybe change accumulator Sphere?)

Red Rich

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 9 Mar 2011 16:27
CITROEN XANTIA - POWER STEERING PROBLEM - Peter.N.

Does it only loose power when cornering hard hence the demand for fluid is high? A possibility is the pump belt slipping although if its the ribbed type this isn't likely unless its very loose, the other likely possibility is air ingress due to a leaky pump inlet hose, check the bend where it fits the pump for cracks.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 10 Mar 2011 16:52
CITROEN XANTIA - POWER STEERING PROBLEM - Red Rich

peter

No problem with pipes, suspension is OK (linked in same system)

Power steering seems eratic, it does work sometimes but when centred it does not react very quickly hence I thought it maybe airlock but as Citroen system is self bleeding (unless steering is not?)

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 10 Mar 2011 19:38
CITROEN XANTIA - POWER STEERING PROBLEM - Peter.N.

The fact that the suspension is OK does not necessaraly mean that the flow of hydraulic fluid is, as once the suspension is up to normal height it doesn't demand any more fluid whereas the steering demands a great deal. Does it feel normal at about the centre position but stiffen up when you go on hard lock? Has the accumulator sphere been changed lately?

Peter

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 15 Mar 2011 09:26
CITROEN XANTIA - POWER STEERING PROBLEM - Red Rich

Peter

Exactly the opposite, doesnt work well at centre a distinct lag in assistance sometimes 10 seconds!, And also left turns better than right. I have noticed when revs up seems better but steering feel still not correct.

I am going to change accumulator this weekend (if I can get it off!) hope that works, I suppose if it doesn't I will have to look at the pump (how can i get pressure test.

Thanks you comments

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 15 Mar 2011 09:54
CITROEN XANTIA - POWER STEERING PROBLEM - Peter.N.

I would certainly go for the accumulator first, the fact that it improves with revs may indicate a worn pump, if that is so you can often feel the wheel 'pulsing' as you apply lock.

Peter

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 28 Mar 2011 13:24
CITROEN XANTIA - POWER STEERING PROBLEM - Red Rich

Peter

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 28 Mar 2011 13:28
CITROEN XANTIA - POWER STEERING PROBLEM - Red Rich

Peter

Pump changed but problem still persists, albeit not quite as bad, so pump was probably worn. I suppose the Steering ram is at fault now, but much more difficult and expensive to change!

I am leaving alone as still convinced I have an air lock somewhere, hopefully will work itself out, if not I shall have to have the ram out!

Red Rich

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 28 Mar 2011 17:54
CITROEN XANTIA - POWER STEERING PROBLEM - Peter.N.

Have a look in the fluid reservoir and see if there are bubbles/foam, if so you may have a leak on the inlet to the pump. How many miles have you done since the fault manifest itself?

Peter

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 12 Apr 2011 17:01
CITROEN XANTIA - POWER STEERING PROBLEM - Red Rich

Peter

I have done about 700 miles, pump complaining!

I will look on reservoir next time I drive and report back.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 12 Apr 2011 21:47
CITROEN XANTIA - POWER STEERING PROBLEM - Red Rich

Peter

Bingo!

Pipe to reservoir was not tightened up! Not sure if me or the mechanic!

Amazing what little things tun into.Just in time as off to France on Saturday.

Many thanks your help

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 12 Apr 2011 22:24
CITROEN XANTIA - POWER STEERING PROBLEM - Peter.N.

Well done, enjoy your trip.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 11 May 2011 17:28
CITROEN XANTIA - POWER STEERING PROBLEM - Red Rich

Peter

just a post note, would you believe it! new pump was faulty and leaked LHM all over tge alternator on the way to Dover, I had to pull out of the ferry Queue and return home on a recovery truck! One of the blankink plugs (which cover the valve inside) wasnt seated correctly, so had to get another pump! Hapily my mechanic did not charge me for the extra work, but ferry comapny not so sympathetic and charged over £100 to change ticket!

Anyhow no problems in a week of max speed (even 100mph)

Red Rich

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 11 May 2011 20:21
CITROEN XANTIA - POWER STEERING PROBLEM - Peter.N.

Oh dear, sorry to hear about that, case of one job leading to another - an unnecessary one at that!

Peter

Reply | Report as offensive | Link