Power Steering

[raven_inc]

Hi guys,

Wonder if any of you can offer any advice on the power steering on my D8 406 2.1 TD

When i bought the car, i was VERY suprised at how light the car felt, in fact at (80mph) it did feel sometimes TOO light (in the wind especially)
During my last 160 mile round trip to work i have noticed the steering has tightened a hell of a lot.

The car indeed feels better, however is it a case of this is how the car SHOULDN't feel rather than how it should????

I know the car has some sort of speed sensitive power steeting but am not a great expert on 406's. Haven't checked the fluid level
yet as am now at work and won't be doing this till the weekend.

Am just looking for advice on whether to start looking for faults or not. No noises from steering when standing still or whining from pump when turning (just a slight creak, which am putting down to suspension).

Thanks

[Old Smokey]

I have noticed the same "light" feeling on my car. I also wondered whether
it should be so light ? - it still is. All the other 406,s i,ve had have been 1.9TD
If you find something out let us know, it,s much lighter steering than i,m used
to previously....

[niz406]

Yes you are right it does have speed sensitive power steering... ( Model check* ) The car should be light to steer and as you go faster, it should become heavier... not sure on the exacts but if you feel that the car is staying too light during motorway use, then maybe you should pop it in to the dealers to have the system checked or check that you haven't over inflated your tyres ! :LOL:

[neildavies]

On my old 406 saloon, when the speedo sensor was dodgy, I was convinced the steering was lighter (it was a 2.1TD GLX).

On the coupe's, the 2.2HDI and V6 both have speed sensitive power steering. The V6 gets heavier with road speed and the HDi gets heavier with engine speed.

[jameslxdt]

the 2.1 td and v6 d8 were the only ones to be fitted with speed sensitve steering (not sure about d9)
i think the main problems were with the pump, the pressure regulating valve inside the pump would gets stuck providing full assitance whatever the speed

[mjb]

Just out of interest, does anyone know the percentage increase of tyre pressure between cold and hot (60mph for >1hr)? Just asking because I only get the chance to stick air in when they're warm and I tend to do them to 37 PSI (says 35 PSI on the door sticker) to compensate...