406oc.co.uk

I keep thinking my power steering is getting heavy (unless I'm getting weak) do you reckon it's because my front tyres are low (nearly at the wear limiters) hence there's more rubber contact with the road - a bit like slicks?

Pressures are spot on.

We have speed sensing adjustment to load up the steering at higher speeds - maybe it's stuck on this setting? to be fair it doesn't feel much different in all situations how does the speed-sensitive PAS work anyway?

Would you say the 406's PAS is "finger tip light" at parking speeds? I may have been spoilt slightly by recently driving other cars with electric power steering!!

Is the fluid level ok welly?

Mine went heavy suddenly just after xmas, noticed the level was low, topped it up and it's was fine, and still is now. Thought perhaps there was a leak but touching wood i've not had to top it up again since.

Didnt know 406's had Speed Sencing PAS, something to test on my next trek!

Welton wrote:
Would you say the 406's PAS is "finger tip light" at parking speeds? I may have been spoilt slightly by recently driving other cars with electric power steering!!

Drive a GTI 180 or old school BMW - then the steering will feel light!

When I got new tyres for mine, the steering did feel different but I thought it was heavier at parking speed due to the grippier compound of the new wheels?

Try going back to a car without pas (what's wrong with my arms? )

I'm going with the "Telly Savalas" tyre thing for now.

I checked the level and it's on MAX. Although the fluid did look and smell "burnt" but hey

I also tried to find the electrical connector at the steering rack (yeah, righty-o) I could see the rack though a least I know it's still there

Maybe it's a combination of dodgy old fluid and "Telly Savalas" tyres

Welton wrote:
Maybe it's a combination of dodgy old fluid and "Telly Savalas" tyres

Change the fluid and the tyres and see how it goes?

BTW - where is our resident 406 fixing/Passat breaking expert when you need him...

The 406s variable PAS is much lighter than I'd like, but it's nowhere near as light as more modern (especially smaller) cars. FWIW nothing touches the Punto for light steering - it's got a button which puts it so light you can practically steer by blowing on the wheel!