aks_uk 0 Posted July 18, 2004 I have a 16V C and my power steering seems to be power-less. The steering is very stiff compared to my old BMW E36. Is it supposed to be so stiff? also when the steering wheel turns either way, there is a buzzing noise coming from the wheels, sort of like an electric radio controlled car but much louder. I have checked the fluid level in the power steering reservoir, it seems to be up to level. Anyone have any suspisions as to what might be th cause? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
16VG60 1 Posted July 19, 2004 Sounds very much like the operation of your PAS is impaired. Do you have any other Corrado owners with which you could compare PAS operation with? The system on the Corrado should not be whining in this way in general use, typically you will only become aware of undue noise when held on full lock. It would not be uncommon for the pump top fail given the age and mileage of many Corrados, even so it would be a good idea to get a comparison before investing in a replacement. Afterall it could just be down to air in the system causing cavitation of the pump. This is often down to a leak at some point. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chrishill 0 Posted July 19, 2004 Get the PAS belt checked. When I first got my 16v the steering was silly-heavy which i just assumed was the 'norm' then I took it for a service and they changed the belt which improved things massivly! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phil K 0 Posted July 19, 2004 my p/s is heavier than it is on my pug 406 (boat).. but the car is designed to be a much more sporty than the boat so I'd assume that it would be heavier - got me thinking though, will have to compare mine to other C's once I hae it back... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevin Bacon 5 Posted July 19, 2004 E36 BMWs have very light steering compared to Corrados anyway, over assisted and totally dead feeling in fact. I Hate BMW steering, nearly as bad as Audi's. I doubt it's anything more than flat tyres and or the camber / tracking are off or even a slipping belt. You'd know if the Corrado had no PAS at all as it's mega heavy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aks_uk 0 Posted July 20, 2004 Thanks for the replies guys. I think that there definately is a problem because I have to use both arms to steer the car, moreover, the whining noise doen't sound too healthy, sounds like something being stretched and about to snap. Anyways I'll start by checking the belt, anyone know exactly whereabouts it's hidden? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Roger Blassberg 0 Posted July 20, 2004 Driver's side, low down at the front, it's a simple vee belt only drives the pas pump, outboard of the other ( ribbed ) belt which drives all the other ancilliaries. Best wishes RB Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aks_uk 0 Posted July 20, 2004 Thanks Roger, Found it, the noise is definaely coming from around that area. Will get the belt replaced/tensioned, if this doesn't sort it then I guess I'll consider the pump. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Roger Blassberg 0 Posted July 21, 2004 If that doesn't do it, make sure that the fluid in the reservoir is correct. It's not unknown for people to use Automatic Transmission Fluid which is red. The correct fluid is dark green. You say it's noisy - is that in the straight-ahead position or only on full lock? If in the straight ahead position, I would suspect the pump. Best wishes RB Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aks_uk 0 Posted July 21, 2004 The fluid in the resrvoir is red and its not noisy in the straight ahead position only when the the wheels turn either way, even if turned just a little. I guess I'll start by flushing the red stuff and pouring in the green stuff then. Can I get the green stuff from any auto store, if so whats it called? also, is flushing a simple job or will I have to take it to a garage? May thanx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Henny 0 Posted July 21, 2004 get the green power steering fluid (original name huh? ;) ) from VW, it's not expensive and it's the only power steering fluid they do... you'll need about a litre if you've got red stuff in there to swap it over... 8) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Roger Blassberg 0 Posted July 21, 2004 It's in a tin marked "Oil for hydraulic system and power assisted steering", part number G 002 000. Get all the red stuff out first by disconnecting the suction hose at the pump, (it's the shorter of the 2 hoses, the one that comes from the reservoir) start the engine and use the pump to evacuate the system into a suitable container, turning the wheel from lock to lock to get it all out. Reconnect the hose. Dispose of the fluid at your local recycling facility. The refilling is a bit tedious;fill the reservoir, start the engine, then switch off immmediately, repeat this several times making sure that you keep the reservoir from emptying by topping it up. Once the level no longer drops, start it up and turn the steering from lock to lock several times. Don't leave it on full lock Continue to keep the fluid level at Max. Once it has stabilised, you're there !! (instructions courtesy of an old Haynes manual on the Golf, but it's all the same, I'm sure !!). Best wishes RB Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aks_uk 0 Posted July 21, 2004 Thanx roger, I'll be getting that from the dealers tomorrow. I have an appointment at the garage on friday to get my tracking and camber settings sorted, I'll just get them to replace the power steering belt and fluid. Thanx again Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Henny 0 Posted July 21, 2004 oooh, that's usefull to know how to do Roger... wish I knew that when I had to do mine a few months ago.... 8) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
