when my ford ka is running,the steering(power) is heavier than when the engine isnt running!!! i have had a rack,pump and steering column fitted and it is still the same , obviously i am running out of stuff to try now , any help would be greatly appreciated as it is costing a small fortune to get nowhere with this fault

paul jenkins, June 2008

thanks paddycanman,i am off to get another rack today as you suggest,the fluid isnt frothing at all so probably pump is ok,didnt suspect old pump but changed it anyway to see if it made a difference, hopefully normal service will be resumed tonight !! Paul

paul jenkins, June 2008

There are basicaly 2 things that can cause your problem. 1 the pump over presurising the system. To check this run the engine and remove the resevior cap, see if the fluid is frothing, it will look like blancmange.If so the problem is with the pump (relief valve stuck poss). If not, it will be the rack. The spool inside the rack is probably faulty presurising both sides at once. Hope this helps,paddycanman

paddycanman, June 2008