VW Polo 2002 power assist in steering suddenly failed

[DIY67]

Earlier this week I parked up my 23 year old Polo to find that that power assist had completely stopped with a warning on the dash indicating a problem. I checked the level of fluid in the tank and it looks normal. Then I tested the alternator and battery with a multimeter. Battery read 12.6 volts resting. And ticking over it was 14.6. The lowest reading (on starting up) was 8.97.

What else could I try please as I was hoping it was going to be something as simple as the fluid ? Thanks

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

What else could I try please as I was hoping it was going to be something as simple as the fluid ? Thanks

Power steering pump. Check it's fuse?

 

[DIY67]

Power steering pump. Check it's fuse?

Checked it and no break in the wire.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Checked it and no break in the wire.

Maybe the pump then..

 

[Mottie]

Check all your fuses and if they’re okay, check this fusible link.

 

[accelerator]

Possibly a burnt out power steering pump, or water ingress into the pump controller (located in the left inner wing, a known issue).

 

[DIY67]

Check all your fuses and if they’re okay, check this fusible link.

.My Polo doesn't have those connections.

 

[Jurassicspark]

It could be that the pump that has failed, as suggested above.

Find out where it’s located. Put your ear near it, and see if you can hear a whirring noise. Not really the best test, but can point an arrow somewhere.

And, of course, before replacing the pump check for the power feed, signal and ground.

BTW - has this problem occurred before, or has it unexpectedly occurred recently?

 

[DIY67]

It could be that the pump that has failed, as suggested above.

Find out where it’s located. Put your ear near it, and see if you can hear a whirring noise. Not really the best test, but can point an arrow somewhere.

And, of course, before replacing the pump check for the power feed, signal and ground.

BTW - has this problem occurred before, or has it unexpectedly occurred recently?

It has never occurred before in my 14 years of ownership. I think I used to hear a whirring noise in the seat when about to start up now you mention it. I'll check that tomorrow.

 

[johnny2007]

Look the wheels on one side and gently turn the steering wheel to lock.
You should hear the pump making noise.
If it doesn't then check pump connection and eventually the pump itself.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

It has never occurred before in my 14 years of ownership. I think I used to hear a whirring noise in the seat when about to start up now you mention it. I'll check that tomorrow.

A whiring noise could be absolutely anything - motorised ventilation flaps, fuel pumps etc..