Power steering problem, without any solution

[Frockk]

Hello,
firstly sorry for my english (my english is not my first, and maybe not even second language)...
This time I don't have a question, I just wanna to complain about my misrable life...
Its because after 2 years not even one mechanic have not found solution to my problem...
Then I got (not bought) my car it had problem with steering it was very heavy noisy, owner told me it is steering pump I just need to change it.... I did unfortunatly it made it only less noisy...
After that my googling capabilities made me realise that the only source of problem is steering rack, after gathering some money I gave my car to mechanic for steering rack restoration but as You already by reading this post might have forcasted it didn't help... After some time and hate (on car) I gave my car to hidraulic systems experts, they just by siting in car and turning wheel immediately determined - steering pump... again ... After few days I saw that problem still exist, I brought car back they said maybe they put wrong pump....
Conclusion: 3x steering pumps, 2x system major flushes ("By experts"), steering rack restoration, all the possible fluid combination (g200200, syntetic, mineral..... you name it....).
So what I have after spending 1000-1500dollars - unparkable Audi A6 2.8q. I probably put some inches on my arms after driving 2 years almost without steering assist.
My problem in more common forum style: At cool day, not being driven few days my wheel turns moderatly fine, but after about 3 miles it starts getting heavier to the point where standing still and turning wheel only is possible with 2 hands with manly growls and I am not kidding.
I developed anger towards other drivers then I see them in parkling lots parking their cars one hand and talking to passangers.
I would ask for help, but I know it is almost impossible to get one, yeah maybe it is my steering rack and I need to replace it but sorry I am not eager buing 2k part without labor after spending this much on "air"...
Sorry for long post maybe you will now appreciate more your light steering :) Remember some don't have it...

[AllroadArg]

Did you look at the steering in vagcom..that steering becomes stiffer at high speeds...maybe its only the setup


Enviado desde mi iPad utilizando Tapatalk

[rollerton]

It's not the steering rack. I'm not an expert on the internals of the rack itself, but I understand how they work. And for the most part when they fail they leak or make a TON of noise. But they will continue to operate with power assist as long as there is fluid in the system.
The pump can develop an internal crack or other flaw that CAN allow fluid/ pressure to leak around the passages. The pump is an 'eccentric' wheel inside. It's a simple but strange design. When the engine is cold the eccentric wheel thing inside pumps cold fluid and builds pressure pretty easily, but if the fluid gets hot and there's a crack, the crack can expand a little and the fluid thins out and you lose pressure.
Want to guess how I know about this?
After the car warms up a little have someone sit in the drivers seat and rev the engine just a little while you look at the fluid-flow inside the power steering fluid reservoir, then have them turn the steering wheel back and forth at normal speed (if they can). Report back with what you see. If I'm right you can see fluid bubbling/ flowing as the engine RPM changes but the flow stops when they turn the wheel. At idle and turning the steering wheel is when there is the MOST pressure and that's when the pump will not be able to move fluid.

You also need to go through the hoses and make sure EVERY CLAMP is tight and there is no evidence of fluid leaking. If fluid can leak out of a clamped fitting then AIR can get in easily and will cause you problems.

[Frockk]

It's not the steering rack. I'm not an expert on the internals of the rack itself, but I understand how they work. And for the most part when they fail they leak or make a TON of noise. But they will continue to operate with power assist as long as there is fluid in the system.
The pump can develop an internal crack or other flaw that CAN allow fluid/ pressure to leak around the passages. The pump is an 'eccentric' wheel inside. It's a simple but strange design. When the engine is cold the eccentric wheel thing inside pumps cold fluid and builds pressure pretty easily, but if the fluid gets hot and there's a crack, the crack can expand a little and the fluid thins out and you lose pressure.
Want to guess how I know about this?
After the car warms up a little have someone sit in the drivers seat and rev the engine just a little while you look at the fluid-flow inside the power steering fluid reservoir, then have them turn the steering wheel back and forth at normal speed (if they can). Report back with what you see. If I'm right you can see fluid bubbling/ flowing as the engine RPM changes but the flow stops when they turn the wheel. At idle and turning the steering wheel is when there is the MOST pressure and that's when the pump will not be able to move fluid.

You also need to go through the hoses and make sure EVERY CLAMP is tight and there is no evidence of fluid leaking. If fluid can leak out of a clamped fitting then AIR can get in easily and will cause you problems.

I don't know if is it good or bad, I let my girl sit behind the wheel I asked her to rev car after that to turn wheel from lock to lock I filmed everything (If need evidence I can upload), there was no steering fluid mixing or stiring, it was calm and even... What does it mean?

[rollerton]

I don't know if is it good or bad, I let my girl sit behind the wheel I asked her to rev car after that to turn wheel from lock to lock I filmed everything (If need evidence I can upload), there was no steering fluid mixing or stiring, it was calm and even... What does it mean?

If you see NO fluid movement at all when the RPM's are about 2k and you turn the steering wheel then your pump is not moving any fluid. My guess is that it has a tiny crack inside the oval pump wheel and it can't build pressure.
When I had this happen (the steering pump was brand new) what I did was make separate containers for fluid OUT to the pump (supply) and another for return. That way I could see for sure if the fluid was being sucked into the pump. Turns out at idle it would move a little fluid, but as soon as any load was put on the pump (turn the wheel or raise rpm) the pump did nothing.
Opened it up and found a crack.

[Frockk]

But when the car is standing reving the car makes the steering easier....

[julex]

It is common for this power steering setup to have intake clamps and hoses getting loose and pump start sucking in air which results in heavy or no power steering at all since pump can't do its work with air in the system. Sometimes is results in very small fluid leak but oftentimes there is zero indication that there is any leak since it is a suction side and no pressure in the hose, on the contrary there is actual vacuum (due to fluid viscosity) in it when engine is running.

I would also look in possibility of crushed hard pipe. Follow the outlet of pump and inspect it. Also make sure return hoses are not collapsed as well.