power steering pump trouble

[Rancher]

Changed the steering pump in my van today as the steering went heavy all of a sudden. I put in a second hand pump but it doesnt seem to be right as the steering feels a bit [notchy] Can any one give me any advise as how to fix the problem .
cheers mike..

[ron]

Have you turned the steering lock to lock several times to evacuate air? I personally wouldn't buy a used PAS pump because you never know the history.

[Rancher]

Still the same , i wonder if the steering rack might be at fault.

[Kokain]

When my steering felt sketchy after I bought the car, it will often stick or has some sort of resistance mid corner, I went underneath and removed the shitty orange bag. Greased up the rack and never had trouble since then. Not saying this is your problem but it's something you may look into.

p.s I thought it was a bodge job only to find out in the car morgue 2 vans had the same orange bags underneath.

[Tomcat3]

Have a look at the u/j joint at the bottom of the steering column they tend to dry out and get a bit stiff. You can see it if you lean over the engine and look down the back. Try and get a little lube onto it.

[Coco]

I had exactly the same symptoms.

Took it in for MOT today and mentioned it to the tester. That is what he found, cleaned and lubed the U/J and all is well again

Have a look at the u/j joint at the bottom of the steering column they tend to dry out and get a bit stiff. You can see it if you lean over the engine and look down the back. Try and get a little lube onto it.

[Rancher]

I will try that today and keep ye posted .Thanks for the advise ...

[markyr2k1]

The U/J on mine seized up and needed lubrication. Same problem I had a yr or so ago on my BMW E36 328 coupe as the U/J on those is near the exhaust manifold so it dries out.

I doused mine with white lithium grease from a spray can.

M

[pestguard1]

I have had 3 auxiliary belts shred on me in the past 6 months due to what has now been diagnosed by the AA as a seized power steering pump when my van played up on the A!M motorway today .
Apparently the pas fluid had leaked onto the belt and degraded it and it came off and shredded around the other pulleys ......cost of new pump & belt £325 fitted