Notchy steering

[climb4hope]

Hello guys,

I got another problem with my allroad. Finally everything back together after the engine rebuilt and the first day out on the streets. Everything engine related seems good. But...
I have an issue with the power steering. There are two spots (from the straight to the right and from the most left to the right position). The steering gets pretty notchy there almost like if the power steering stops working in these two locations. But once you past this "notchy point" it goes quite smooth again. If the pump was dying I wouldn't have it independent of the steering wheel position. I didn't feel that issue at all when the car was on the stands - the engine was not running so I didn't test it with power steering, but the mechanical part was smooth. Turning the wheels by hand while in the air didn't feel any spotty resistance. So It makes me doubt any direct mechanical issues.

Anyone had similar issue? Any ideas?

[Racin2redline]

Could be the servotronic steering assist failing or not worrying right

I just pull the relay out and see if it smooths out, it will require more effort to turn the wheel but it's not bad at all


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[climb4hope]

Could be the servotronic steering assist failing or not worrying right

I just pull the relay out and see if it smooths out, it will require more effort to turn the wheel but it's not bad at all

Thanks for the advise. Will take a look on it after work.

[climb4hope]

Tried to pull out the relay. No difference a little harder to steer overall but there is still this "notch".
It is actually happening not on specific locations but rather anywhere after you turn a wheel to the left and then try to the right.
Both tires off the ground - fine. Any one wheel off the ground (left or right) still fine. Does not seem to be any differences in pump sound when trying to the right or to the left.
What else might be wrong?

[climb4hope]

Never figured out the problem. Last weekend the car was parked overnight at freezing temperature (not sure if it is any how related though) and the next day when I started it the pump was making some noise. Turning the steering wheel made the noise worse. Well, I had to drive it back home ~150mi anyways. About 20 miles later the car started losing power for a split second (like if you would press and release clutch rapidly). Assuming if the pump was the cause it was probably partially blocking and putting some load on the belt. Drove back home, the hose going to the pump was slightly wet near the pump. almost like if the pressure would build up on the pump input which does not make much sense. The problem with tight steering to the right was never gone. I took the pump off the car and pull it apart. Could not tell if there is anything apparent that would block it. Also the pump was aftermarket replacement by the previous owner.

I'm hesitant of putting just a new pump without digging into the root cause of the original problem. If that was a pump only issue I assume I would have issues with power steering disregarding the direction. Is this an indication of the rack problem? Did anyone encounter similar problem? Do not really want to pull the engine again, but this seems to be the only option If I have to replace the rack. Any ideas?