Vios power steering not enough

ThushanthaSrimal · May 9, 2018

My car is vios 2007(face lift).

With a cold start power steering seems to be working fine, but after a while when the things get hot power steering is not enough.

What could be the reason and what should I do?

Will changing the oil fix it?

PerfMad · May 9, 2018

On 5/9/2018 at 10:23 AM, ThushanthaSrimal said:

My car is vios 2007(face lift).

With a cold start power steering seems to be working fine, but after a while when the things get hot power steering is not enough.

What could be the reason and what should I do?

Will changing the oil fix it?

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doesn't it comes with EPS (if im not mistaken)?

Davy · May 9, 2018

Old oil can be a reason for stiff steering when warm, because the oil loses it's viscous properties with age.

However, before changing oil:

1. Are there any power steering oil leaks? Open the bonnet, remove the power steering fluid reservoir cap and start the car. Turn the steering from side to side while revving the engine and observer the fluid in the reservoir. If you see bubbles forming, it's likely that there's a leak. Of course check for visible leaks as well.

2. Check the tension of your drive belt. Specifically the belt that drives the power steering pump. If the belt is old or isn't tightened properly, it may not be driving the pump when warm as the belt expands when warm.

Edited May 9, 2018 by Davy

ThushanthaSrimal · May 9, 2018

On 5/9/2018 at 10:43 AM, Davy said:

Old oil can be a reason for stiff steering when warm, because the oil loses it's viscous properties with age.

However, before changing oil:

1. Are there any power steering oil leaks? Open the bonnet, remove the power steering fluid reservoir cap and start the car. Turn the steering from side to side while revving the engine and observer the fluid in the reservoir. If you see bubbles forming, it's likely that there's a leak. Of course check for visible leaks as well.

2. Check the tension of your drive belt. Specifically the belt that drives the power steering pump. If the belt is old or isn't tightened properly, it may not be driving the pump when warm as the belt expands when warm.

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Hmmm will check on those.....thanks

ThushanthaSrimal · May 10, 2018

On 5/9/2018 at 10:27 AM, PerfMad said:

doesn't it comes with EPS (if im not mistaken)?

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No.

This is vios generation 1.2

Not belta vios

ThushanthaSrimal · July 17, 2018

On 5/9/2018 at 10:43 AM, Davy said:

Old oil can be a reason for stiff steering when warm, because the oil loses it's viscous properties with age.

However, before changing oil:

1. Are there any power steering oil leaks? Open the bonnet, remove the power steering fluid reservoir cap and start the car. Turn the steering from side to side while revving the engine and observer the fluid in the reservoir. If you see bubbles forming, it's likely that there's a leak. Of course check for visible leaks as well.

2. Check the tension of your drive belt. Specifically the belt that drives the power steering pump. If the belt is old or isn't tightened properly, it may not be driving the pump when warm as the belt expands when warm.

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No there are no leaks, and I changed the oil also. Went to a mechanic and he said that there is no problem with the belt.

He said that there can be a problem in the rack. He checked from under but couldn't find any reasons.

Can a rack problem cause this?

Edited July 17, 2018 by ThushanthaSrimal

vag2 · July 17, 2018

rack issues give strange jittering, noise,tightness normally when turning to one side,not both at same time. If its both sides maybe pump is worn out and has lost some pressure?

ThushanthaSrimal · July 18, 2018

On 7/17/2018 at 1:20 PM, vag2 said:

rack issues give strange jittering, noise,tightness normally when turning to one side,not both at same time. If its both sides maybe pump is worn out and has lost some pressure?

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There is no noise or jittering. Yes tightness is there for the both sides.

Then the problem is in the pump as you said. If so should I have to change the pump or can it be repairable?

vag2 · July 18, 2018

usually the metal feathers inside pump get worn out by dust,metal residue. Not repairable in SL I think.

Davy · July 18, 2018

You can do a pressure test to check if the pump is fine. I'm not even sure if local garages do this, but it's simply connecting a pressure gauge in series to the high pressure line and a) turning the steering from lock to lock b) revving the engine c) checking the pressure valve by momentarily shutting off the pressure line. If the test reveal that the pressure holds fine in all conditions, then the pump is fine.