PAS not working Ford Focus

holmesdave101

Hi, could someone advise what might be wrong with the power steering on my focus zetec climate, it's a 1.6 petrol on 06 plate.

At parking speed the PAS loads up and is heavy, but with just a little gas it acts normally. This is a big problem for my learners when doing a 3 point turn as they roll down the camber with a little breaking and no gas

The belt drive on the PAS pump is correctly tensioned, fluid is up to max with no leaks and tyres correctly inflated. Mileage is 45k used for learner car since 27k

Many Thanks

Hammyman

Are the revs increasing if its in neutral and you turn the wheel?

My initial thought is its spent all its life driving round town so the pump may be worn.

holmesdave101

thanks for the reply, without any gas, the steering is heavy, but add a little gas and the PAS is normal.........learners cant move
thier feet that quick so after the crest of the camber, they come down the hill on the brakes, but without the gas the steering is heavy
If they "dry steer" with the handbrake on with a little gas PAS returns, but of course this will damage the steering and tyres :@(