B6 A4 1.8t power steering problem

[mk1ted]

Hey guys, new to this forum - let me know if this is in the wrong spot.

So the other day I was turning and my steering felt noticeably easy (no feel or resistance really). That problem went away quickly but later that day just driving around the parking lot at the mall and the power steering was 'pulsing'. Basically the steering wheel got easy for about an 1/8th of a turn and then really tough (no ps at all) for an 1/8th of a turn and this pattern repeated about 10 times while I was turning right to full lock. I got really worried and did a couple laps of the parking lot but it wouldn't repeat. I hopped out and checked my ps fluid which looks brand new and the level was good. This morning, I put it up on the hoist and looked for leaks on the rack. Has the smallest of leaks possible on the passenger tie rod boot and other than that didn't see anything (although I couldn't see very well). Ps belt tension is good as well as the belt. So in my mind this problem must be isolated to the ps pump itself. Anybody else experienced this or have any ideas? I'm replacing my timing belt pretty soon so might just replace the pump while I'm in there.
Thanks for looking


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[alpinestar180]

Not sure what caused this but id like to mention that turning the wheel to full lock and holding it is a known way to damage our power sterring pumps. Especially when you hit the gas at full lock. (Happens to someone Doing snow donuts every year).

Is it possible your leak is causing air to get in the rack?

[mk1ted]

I never have had the wheel to full lock and forced it, just fairly close to full lock. I've heard many times that it's bad to go to full lock on pretty much all power steering cars.

And as for the leak it is barely anything, I really don't think any air would be coming into the rack from there. I'll try and post some pics tomorrow.

Thanks for the reply!


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