Steering Stiff

[Harshan]

thought of posting it here after trying almost all alternatives. Some times back my car developed a PAS fluid leak on the high pressure hoses. Coudln't find the replacement used or brand new, so decided to get it repaired from a hydraulic hose repairing place where they use an after market flexible hose and clip it with the existing metal hoses. I got that done and things were pretty much fine until power steering became stiff over a period of time and then pump decided to pack up completely giving an unusual sound when running. Changed the pump and still the stiffness was there. Soon after morning cold start power steering is very very light, can steer using one finger ;) but after about half an hour or so it start becoming heavier and if I rev engine hard, at about 2000 or 2500 yes, again it becomes light. But towards the latter part of the day it become heavier and even if I rev it hard it doesn't become light.

took the steering rack out yesterday and replaced the set of pipes in the rack and grease packed the rack and changed the rack boots. Checked the damper and seems to be alright. Fixed everything back and still the power steering is heavy. What else do I need to check and my worry is even if i buy another pump will it still be heavy if the issue is not with the PAS pump?

[FlySpeck]

could be a restriction or blockage in the flow or return circuit. The pump pressurises the steering control valve and that supplies that pressure to one side or the other of the rack to move it. The fluid returns to the reservior & pump via a controlled leak-back and is pumped round again. The amount that leaks back controls the actual working pressure in the rack.

maybe best to try a power steering specialist but it likely needs pipework or even a new pas rack.