Morning sickness, wandering a bit, PAS woes.

[StrongSpearWorks]

I had an issue back in the spring where my steering was quite stiff first thing in the morning (especially turning clockwise / right) from centre which seemed to go away with the warmer weather.

Since the overnight temps have started dropping its back!
I have replaced the PAS fluid with the prescribed ATF, but didn’t manage to get it coming out red… no matter how much I siphoned out and replaced then pumped through it still comes out murky grey.

Of note, when turning the wheel it feels like there’s a point when I pass a notch and the wheel suddenly comes free, it’s hard to explain

I’ve noticed that my steering is a lot more wandering and sloppy at the moment (once the stiffness has gone after a couple of turns, or the oil has warmed up).

Is a new / rebuilt rack in order?

[Bugjam1999]

Start by spraying the two universal joints in the steering column (under the bonnet) with the penetrating spray of your choice twice a day for a week and see if it gets better.

Cheers

[StrongSpearWorks]

I’ll give that a go…

[Challo]

Originally Posted by Bugjam1999

Start by spraying the two universal joints in the steering column (under the bonnet) with the penetrating spray of your choice twice a day for a week and see if it gets better.

Cheers

This has worked for mine. First thing it’s really stiff turning right but eases up after a while. Keep spraying the joints, and maybe looks to something more thicker to keep the joint from getting dry.

[StrongSpearWorks]

I’ll give everything a go it means not replacing the rack 🤣

[Laird Scooby]

You could also try replacing the fluid, empty the reservoir with a large syringe (~200ml) and discharge it into an empty, clean Pot Noodle pot or similar - makes it easier to see the colour and contamination.

Refill with ATF and bleed by turning the wheel from lock to lock slowly with the engine idling. Top up if necessary after.

Repeat this weekly (assuming you're using the car) until the fluid stays clean. If it doesn't even begin to get clean, you'll have to find the cause.

[StrongSpearWorks]

I’ve pumped two litres of fresh ATF through the system and it still comes out grey. Any ideas what could be contaminating it? I’m thinking degrading seals perhaps… I’m not leaking any fluid. The rack is dry at all the exit points and the level is steady.