Very poor power steering on my 2.5

[endorfin]

Ever since I've had my 2.5 estate I've never been happy with the power steering, it's always been hard work, and takes a bit of effort when stationary. The only time its ok is when I'm travelling at speed but you could say that of any car really.

I've mentioned it to Martin at Pleides and Craig at CMS both of them having a look and they've said it's normal but I'm not convinced.Having driven Will's (dieselman) 2.1 the power steering is wonderful in comparision. Will had a go in mine and said the steering felt rubbery.

I love the car and its a joy to drive when on the straight but the power steering mars the experience.

I understand the 2.5 has a different pump to the 2.1 and petrols but I'm wondering if it's a problem with all 2.5's or just mine. Would be interested to hear from other 2.5 owners, maybe even trying another 2.5. I live in Brighton and Surrey so if anyone has a 2.5 around those areas would be interested to hear from you. I'm currently up in North Wales and will be heading over to Derby and Leicester in the next few days so anyone around there too.

[xmexclusive]

PM me if you want to come over and compare the steering on some other 2.5's.
Located around 60 miles WNW of Brighton.

John

[robertmnorton]

Hi endorfin, i know that S2 HP pumps have differing pulley diameters dependent on engine fit, indicated by the suffix on the p/n, but the pump i'm sure is the same across the XM and Xantia range. Could it be that a replacement pump has been fitted at some time and it simply has the wrong diameter pulley, therefore incorrect flow rate for the specific engine rpm range ? The reason it's called a 6+2 pump is that 6 pistons supply the steering alone indicating the massive usage of fluid in that system.
robertm

[endorfin]

Robert, how can I check whether the correct pump has been fitted?

John, thanks for the offer, would appreciate that. I'll send you a PM later to see whereabouts you are and see if I can arrange a visit sometime. Probably after the new year now though.

[xmexclusive]

Hi Endorfin

Your pump drive wheel should be about 110mm in diameter.
Petrol ones are around 146mm dia so difference is easy to spot.

John

[marc61]

Must say I've found the steering on 2.5s to be variable between cars. Last one I had was much better than the existing one, and both have good track rod ends and wheel alignment. One I had about 6 years ago was the best of the bunch, but all of them have been 100,000+ mileage so I don't understand why it differs.

A Pleiades reconditioned pump and a nice clean filter in tank didn't bring about any change to steering on my current 2.5. Meanwhile the late V6 I've now got has much better steering and handling, and both cars have done a very similar mileage and presumably have similar frontbend weights.

So agree with Endorfin it's a bit annoying and difficult to understand why. I sort of think it may be mechanical resistance due to geometry problem more than hydraulic. Steering column to rack pinion alignment issue perhaps? I wonder if loosening the rack mounting bolts, wiggling the steering about a bit then retightening them might move it to a happier position? Or maybe there is a lopsided deterioration in the lousy suspension strut mounts relative to two new mounts, which absorbs some energy requiring more steering effort?

Marc

[etlcsns]

Just a thought, ignore me if I'm talking cack

XM racks have a spring loaded slipper by the pinion to keep the rack and pinion tightly meshed. It is adjusted by a large internal hex, something like 18/20mm A/F

Has the car had a replacement rack, it could it have been over adjusted? does the rack feel tight with the engine off and track rods disconnected

Could you release the rack bellows, Pinion side and add some grease to the back of the rack where the slipper presses if it is dry, I used CV grease on mine.

If you need pictures I have an old rack in my garage, I adjusted my new s/h rack to keenly and the steering became quite stiff to the extent it lost all self centering, It's a real bugger to adjust in situ on a 2.1, I'd imagine even worse on a 2.5

[robertmnorton]

Hi Chris, a valid point, it's a 19mm internal hex.It is a preload adjustment and should be checked with the wheels off the ground for stiffness and smoothness throughout the range.No castor centering whilst driving straight on a not too cambered stretch of road would indicate a possible over tightness.
robertm