:( Steering gone … again
- Thread starter Bordos
- Start date
PlasticMac
Member
You only get a fault code logged, when there is a fault. If the ABS has acted as it should, with a given input, (sensors etc), that is not a fault, so no code.
Mac.
Bordos
Member
Soooo I finally found some time to check connectors at the power steering pump ( both clear, dry etc. - unfortunately very fragile after the years - I have to replace the body of the bigger one).
As connectors are not the cause of this issue, the pump is off and I will dig into its electronics to find the cause …
Removal of this pump is pretty straightforward - Just take of the front wheel, wheel arch liner, then 3 screws and 2 pipes and it is out
It is also good to drain the oil first.
Meanwhile:
1. Does anybody know the correct torques for bolts inside the pump ?
2. There is a little o-ring on the pressure pipe fitting - does anybody know its size (it is not shown on parts diagram
As connectors are not the cause of this issue, the pump is off and I will dig into its electronics to find the cause …
Removal of this pump is pretty straightforward - Just take of the front wheel, wheel arch liner, then 3 screws and 2 pipes and it is out
It is also good to drain the oil first.
Meanwhile:
1. Does anybody know the correct torques for bolts inside the pump ?
2. There is a little o-ring on the pressure pipe fitting - does anybody know its size (it is not shown on parts diagram
PlasticMac
Member
Just had a read through this thread. Trying to improve my knowledge of the system, and came across this SSP 259.
Definitely worth reading.
I was searching for information on measuring blocks for the G250 Power Steering Sensor, in VCDS.
The only thing I can find is under Chassis, (row of tabs at the top of the controller selection screen), then Steering Assist. Not sure if it's any diagnostic help though.
I'll keep looking though.
Mac.
Definitely worth reading.
I was searching for information on measuring blocks for the G250 Power Steering Sensor, in VCDS.
The only thing I can find is under Chassis, (row of tabs at the top of the controller selection screen), then Steering Assist. Not sure if it's any diagnostic help though.
I'll keep looking though.
Mac.
PlasticMac
Member
The power steering sensor is a possible source of the problem. The sensor, (G250), can tell the controller that it thinks all is not well, and the cluster will show the steering symbol. Maybe look at the power steering itself where the sensor is, if the pump looks to be OK.
Mac.
Mac.
Bordos
Member
PlasticMac
Member
OK, I think only early cars had G85 and G250.
Once you have it back together, you can monitor the pump with VCDS, select "Chassis" tab, then "Steering Assist" then "Measuring Blocks"
Mac.
Bordos
Member
Mine is fitted only with G85 (as only 2 connectors are used on the pump).
Also did a lot of VCDS verification of the sensor etc. - but found nothing wrong.
I am amazed that this fault can be foreseen - as if I drive straight for a longer time, than I slow down and turn - it will appear (ie. highway stop for a coffee) - and when I go to full stop (engine on etc. - just 0 km/h) - the fault will be gone...
My guess is still that there is a loose connection (the only one left is the "weld" on the ground cable) or issue with the electronics within the pump. I will test the pump today and the last resort is to cut the ground wire and connect it directly to the chassis...
If this fails, I will look for a A2 3L and install a power steering free solution
PlasticMac
Member
Is this the solution, ir a stop along the way?
Mac.
Bordos
Member
It is not a solution - but it a point at which I got stuck a bit (this o-ring is not shown on part list for A2, but it is shown on the one for VW Polo).
For my power steering I am back on the start point - after installation of the pump - I still get the same fault etc. - so I ordered a refurbished pump unit with 2 year warranty and I will install it. If the fault will be no more - I am going to teardown my old pump and trace the source of the issue ...
PlasticMac
Member
Will watch with interest.
Mac.
Bordos
Member
So to update:
1. After replacement of my power steering pump with a refurbished one - the fault is no more (hence this points that the issue is in fact within the pump unit).
2. I will teardown the removed pump unit trying to find the cause - but as the steering is not much lighter at low speed - I am not as sure that this is an electrical issue as I was before - it might be thay faulty gear pump operation at high loads resulted in overloading of the electronics... - but this I will try to find out.
Useful tips:
1. It is not necessary to remove the front bumper to remove the pump (just remove the wheel arch liner and undo 3 bolts - then you can move the pump to gain access to connectors and hoses),
2. While installing, tighten the pressure fitting on the pump before you install it into the car (there is almost no access to this afterwards).
3. If you assume that the power connector (the big one) was not unclipped ever - get a new housing - as it will probably be very hard and will brake while unclipping ...
1. After replacement of my power steering pump with a refurbished one - the fault is no more (hence this points that the issue is in fact within the pump unit).
2. I will teardown the removed pump unit trying to find the cause - but as the steering is not much lighter at low speed - I am not as sure that this is an electrical issue as I was before - it might be thay faulty gear pump operation at high loads resulted in overloading of the electronics... - but this I will try to find out.
Useful tips:
1. It is not necessary to remove the front bumper to remove the pump (just remove the wheel arch liner and undo 3 bolts - then you can move the pump to gain access to connectors and hoses),
2. While installing, tighten the pressure fitting on the pump before you install it into the car (there is almost no access to this afterwards).
3. If you assume that the power connector (the big one) was not unclipped ever - get a new housing - as it will probably be very hard and will brake while unclipping ...
CrispyEdd
Member
Glad you've sorted it now.
lovely power steering on the a2From experience (around 4 months before I resolved the steering issue on my car), yes.
Raymie
Member
I once read an article on Gordon Murray complaining that light cars don't need power steering ; he deactivated the power steering on his Smart Roadster and commented on how it improved the steering feel.
After Googling this I found several Smart owners recommending this mod which appeared to be quite straightforward to achieve with the removal of an essential spring from the steering rack.
Unfortunately the same trick does not appear to be possible with positive results for the steering system used on the A2 - probably in part due to the extra weight over the front axle !