Steering Once Engine Is Fired

[amc1902]

Hello all

I am the recent purchaser of a 04 plate 2.0 D4D T-Spirit, which for now, I am very happy with.

One slight niggle is the steering from a cold start - there is immediately a noteable resistance, which, once the car takes off, disappears.

any suggestions?

Thanks

Anthony

[Rossi46]

Hi Anthony

I've recently bought a 53 plate D4D T-spirit and apart from a few niggles I am happy too.

I think the resistance in the steering may be a characteristic of this type of power steering. As far as I know it is electric, rather than hydraulic so it has a different feel. My wife said its like driving a tank. The clutch is heavy and squeaks on mine which is annoying the hell out of me, adding to the industrial feel.

..And the leather creaks and the lights were crap until I fitted an HID kit.

...And my VSC and engine malfunction light came on yesterday.

...Also the cd changerkeeps giving me error code 3 now and again.

...Oh and mine takes longer than i'd expect to start when it's cold, even after changing the glowplugs.

But yeah, i'm happy with mine too :)

[Rossi46]

Just another point mate.

I found some info which may be useful.

It seems the power steering on the D4D models are "Engine revolution sensing type Hydraulic Power Steering"

So they're not electric as I had previously thought, but it could explain why the wheel is stiff at low revs (not that it's adviseable to turn the steering wheel when stationary) and also hydraulic oil likes to warm up, so that would make it firmer when cold too.