Heavy steering on KA

[DIYspanner]

2007 1.3i

Fluid level is right.
Track rod ends aren't seized - disconnected them and seem free enough.
Tyres are at the right pressure.

Took the car for test drive after servicing it and for a small car, the steering, in my opinion, is heavy.

One thing I've noticed that on full lock, both ways, there's a groaning which will be the pump I presume.

The pump is on the way out perhaps?

 

[Burnerman]

One way to check the P.A.S for sure......try coasting and steering the car with the engine off - it will be very hard to turn the wheel indeed!
John

 

[DaveHerns]

Strut tops mounts seized ?

 

[Doggit]

If there's a groaning on full lock, check the CV joints as well.

 

[Mikefromlondon]

raise both wheels off the road, and then see how it feels with engine off and with engine running

 

[DIYspanner]

Thanks Folks!

I'll investigate and post back.

 

[DaveHerns]

Can you find a similar car to test? It may be normal.

 

[Nige F]

My daughter in Law has one and says he same about the steering - so may be normal - as is rust

 

[Peter.N.]

The condition of the front tyres can have a marked effect on the steering, as the tread wears down the steering gets heavier, also the type of tyres makes a lot of difference.

Many years ago my mother bought a Peugeot 205, she liked the car but complained about the heaviness of the steering, no PAS on that one and even I found it heavy, I went to my friendly local tyre supplier and asked if I could see all the tyres of that size, I checked each one by pressing my thumbs into the centre of the tread to find the most supple, they were duly fitted and completely transformed the car.

Peter