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Lt 28 2.5 tdi power steering clunky

Printed From: The Brick-yard
Category: LT, Crafter & Sprinter Section
Forum Name: LT2 and sprinter forum
Forum Description: For, Er, 2nd generation LT and sprinters.
URL: http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=94331
Printed Date: 19 Apr 24 at 15:38
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Lt 28 2.5 tdi power steering clunky

Posted By: Cornwall87
Subject: Lt 28 2.5 tdi power steering clunky
Date Posted: 02 Jan 20 at 15:21

Afternoon all, my power steering has now decided that its clunky, it gets power assist and then its clunky and really hard to steer. Its almost lumpy?

Yesterday just sat in my parking spot, the steering was fine, no issues, then today we pulled out from behind a parked car and the lumpy clunky steering happened.

Power steering fluid is fine, no leaks, the pump stays the same temperature as the rest of the engine. There's an inner joint knock but its always been there.

I'm actually losing my patience with the van now!!

Simon

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SWB VW LT 28 2.5TDI

Replies:

Posted By: Cornwall87
Date Posted: 02 Jan 20 at 16:21

The pump seems to be pumping fluid well, no leaks.

Simon

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SWB VW LT 28 2.5TDI

Posted By: mojo
Date Posted: 02 Jan 20 at 17:27

First thing I'd check is the condition of the belt and tensioner, could be belt slip. Then check for any damage to the metal pipework on the steering system.

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2006 LT35 TDI 109 AVR

Posted By: Cornwall87
Date Posted: 04 Jan 20 at 13:47

Tension on the belt is good, nice and tight, all the pipes looks great.

Its almost notchy, like its getting stuck, possibly the steering column steering joints?

I'll get someone to steer the van and I'll have a look at the joints at the move.

Its mainly when its steering to the left, it gets solid then it's ok. But its not feeling safe to drive.

Thanks for your help again mate

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SWB VW LT 28 2.5TDI

Posted By: tellytubby
Date Posted: 04 Jan 20 at 22:56

First thing that comes to mind given your brake saga that was finally solved by a wheel bearing...

Does it have the right power steering fluid in it?

Your van has clearly had a chequered maintenance history so you can't assume even the basics are right.

I would put the front up on axle stands and disconeect the track rod ends and check for any problems in the suspension joints or any fouling from body parts etc. If all seems ok reconnect the track rod ends and check the steering linkage for play and if that's ok then change the fluid.

After that it gets into part swapping.

Posted By: Cornwall87
Date Posted: 08 Jan 20 at 16:35

Thank you for your reply!

I checked the steering fluid, it looks like it used to bed red?

It's a bit rusty coloured.

The universal joints were all clunky causing tight spots, I've spray greased them for now, but I think they'll need a rebuild kit.

Thanks for persevering with me and this van lol

Simon

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SWB VW LT 28 2.5TDI

Posted By: tellytubby
Date Posted: 08 Jan 20 at 17:58

That may well be the wrong stuff. The red fluid is often mineral based ( though there can be exceptions) and you should be using synthetic. Green would be more likely.

Might be worth a replacement...

Posted By: Cornwall87
Date Posted: 14 Jan 20 at 14:12

Brilliant thanks, would it have caused any damage?

Simon

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SWB VW LT 28 2.5TDI