Power steering

[Kitkat]

New to esprit driving, I have an S4 commerative, with larger after market wheels. Question is, How do I know if the power steering is actually working? It groans when I turn the wheel when going slow, and doesn’t feel particularly power assisted even compared to my older Merc sl350. Power steering fluid level is the ok.

i also think the after market suspension needs setting up as it seems quite skittish over bumpier roads.

I imagine the whole geomatry  needs setting up.

kind regards

[Escape]

Very easy to check if you have power assisted steering (as an S4 should have): turn the wheels to one side with the engine off. Then start the engine and turn the wheels back again. There should be a clear difference.

The groaning is likely the power assist pump getting tired. Which can be annoying, but chances are it will last a good while longer. Just keep an eye out for leaks.

[CarBuff]

It might reduce the groaning to replace the 20-year-old power steering fluid.

 

If you have an old turkey baster (or pump sprayer) just suck the old stuff out of the reservoir in the LH sail panel, then refill...then drive the car.  😍 At some point, turn the wheel fully left then fully right. Repeat until you have used 2 small bottles of PS fluid.

 

You need to look up the specs for the Lotus PAS fluid, those two bottles should be enough to change more than 90% of the fluid.

[Kitkat]

Thanks guys,

 

that’s makes obvious sense🤪

thank you

[shaunw]

Worth also checking that your lower steering UJ hasn't partially seized. Especially if the car was stood for a while before you bought it

[Kitkat]

Thanks Shaun, I tested the power steering as suggested and it is working, will get the steering UJ checked as there is a groan (mostly when I am slow reversing and turning heavily)👍👍

[Escape]

A groan is more likely to be from the PAS pump. The rotation of the UJ is too slow to make much noise, but it can give a notchy feeling.

[Chillidoggy]

Mine groans on occasion, and that's with a brand new pump fitted. It's done so for the last 10 years, and I live with it.

[Kitkat]

I can feel it in the steering wheel and it feels like the noise comes from the front when steering. I can certainly live with it.

thanks for the replies, it’s much appreciated