Stiff steering - power steering problem?

[Thrill]

Hi,

I have a 54 plate 1.2 16v Clio Dynamique. My steering is ridiculously stiff at times, but feather light at others. I understand it's electric. The power steering does work as I hear it 'whining' when on full lock. It just seems to get stiffer and lighter while driving (now I understand this is normal) but it gets extremely heavy. I sometimes find it difficult to corner. Sometimes though, it's really really light and it's lovely to drive.

I have noticed though, when the steering is stiff the car looses some power and doesn't pull as well. Could these two be linked? It's had a lower ball joint done recently, 2 new tyres, cambelt, auxiliary belt. However, this issue has been happening ever since I got this car. So god knows if it's an issue or just me being a pussy. It's been in the garage an awful lot as I noticed a clunking rattling noise going over uneven surfaces, which pops up every now and again but he can't find anything wrong. The mechanic says everything looks good, all suspension, joints, bushes etc. Pressures are all good, 32 front, 28 back as stated in the manual. Cheers.

PS: Also noticed it doesn't seem to 'come back to me' when i turn around a corner. I have to manually turn it back some times!

 

[imprezaworks]

i would hazard a guess at the column

 

[KevF182]

PS: Also noticed it doesn't seem to 'come back to me' when i turn around a corner. I have to manually turn it back some times!

This last bit made me think it could be that the top mount bearing(s) are shot. But if you're loosing power then it may be something else entirely. It does sound like there could be a fault with the power steering but without knowing more it's hard to say.

Don't take this the wrong way, but...Get a new mechanic! If you have a fault and they send you away saying everything is fine when you are clearly knowing that something is wrong its a bad job - trust what you feel, if it feels wrong then it probably is (or needs a proper explanation why it's "right")

 

[Stu Mackin]

hi - did you ever solve this as I have the same issue

 

[da rok]

epas system seems to switch off when steering on the spot while not moving sometimes... could be the motor failing or a dirty position sensor, since you are losing engine power as well id think it was the motor possibly shorting out putting bigger load on the altinator ?