Happens mostly/only when cold, just after starting. When reversing from yard to road I turn all to the right and all seems normal, then put it on drive and turn all to the left and THEN there is a "blind spot" in steering. Feels like power assistance suddenly stops and then continues as normal  :-? This is not normal. No other problems with steering, all joints seem to be ok, fluid level ok, most of the fluid has been changed (had the hose off in the winter and reservoir filled after that), when warm it goes from lock to lock without blinds. No play in steering (other than normal to the structure, IMHO rack-and-pinion is the only good steering  :-X) Any ideas what to check?

if steering fine check the suspension strut at top, has similar problem on another car years ago the rubber had gone, found out when pushing on the corner and looking at them.

kcl wrote on 26. Aug 2011 at 08:43:

Happens mostly/only when cold, just after starting. When reversing from yard to road I turn all to the right and all seems normal, then put it on drive and turn all to the left and THEN there is a "blind spot" in steering. Feels like power assistance suddenly stops and then continues as normal  :-? This is not normal. No other problems with steering, all joints seem to be ok, fluid level ok, most of the fluid has been changed (had the hose off in the winter and reservoir filled after that), when warm it goes from lock to lock without blinds. No play in steering (other than normal to the structure, IMHO rack-and-pinion is the only good steering  :-X) Any ideas what to check?

Sounds like a tired steering pump to me, I assuming you have an auto? Its harder to do, but keep the revs up when you do your usual reverse out.

Left foot on brake, right foot on the gas. Use brake like a clutch, try and keep the revs higher than just idle. (2 to 3k rpm)

See if it does it then  :y

Will check the strut tops and try higher idle if it helps. Only 178 000 kilometers on the clock, what would be the usual expected life time to PAS-pump? Previous car had 250 000 on clock and pump was good  :-/

tunnie wrote on 26. Aug 2011 at 09:20:

kcl wrote on 26. Aug 2011 at 08:43: Happens mostly/only when cold, just after starting. When reversing from yard to road I turn all to the right and all seems normal, then put it on drive and turn all to the left and THEN there is a "blind spot" in steering. Feels like power assistance suddenly stops and then continues as normal  :-? This is not normal. No other problems with steering, all joints seem to be ok, fluid level ok, most of the fluid has been changed (had the hose off in the winter and reservoir filled after that), when warm it goes from lock to lock without blinds. No play in steering (other than normal to the structure, IMHO rack-and-pinion is the only good steering  :-X) Any ideas what to check? Sounds like a tired steering pump to me, I assuming you have an auto? Its harder to do, but keep the revs up when you do your usual reverse out. Left foot on brake, right foot on the gas. Use brake like a clutch, try and keep the revs higher than just idle. (2 to 3k rpm) See if it does it then  :y

agreed..

Two votes for tired pump  :'( What kind of money we are looking at? New or 2nd hand? Anything (leaks, broken parts etc) that I should be looking when finding a second hand one?

And, does the new/used pump have to be from same engined car, e.g. need to source one from a 2,6, can one from 2,5/3,0/3,2 be used?

kcl wrote on 26. Aug 2011 at 11:13:

Two votes for tired pump  :'( What kind of money we are looking at? New or 2nd hand? Anything (leaks, broken parts etc) that I should be looking when finding a second hand one?

I dont think it requires changing just for an intermittent blind spot .. imo it will actually tell you when really requires changing by making some noises.. :y

ps: just dont force at the limits..

would a flush out help?? maybe worth a try.

freecall666 wrote on 26. Aug 2011 at 21:50:

would a flush out help?? maybe worth a try.

That was my thought also after reading the answers; changing pump is quite a job  :-/ AND, the problem only occurs in the first turn, never when warm/driven for a mile or so...

Watch the strut tops with the bonnet open, see if they jump when turning the steering wheel, as if binding then suddenly freeing up.

May well behave differently at stand still though.  :-/

not sure if the same thing or if this will help... my steering suddenly went really light one day, just for the day... thought is that how it should be...etc..turns out yes it should be that light and changed the servotronic relay and its all sorted now.. steering light as feather ...like i say not sure if that helps with your issue

kcl wrote on 26. Aug 2011 at 11:13:

Two votes for tired pump  :'( What kind of money we are looking at? New or 2nd hand? Anything (leaks, broken parts etc) that I should be looking when finding a second hand one?

3 votes. I had the same problem with mine after 76k miles. New pump sorted it, I got one from a low miles breaker. Not the easiest of jobs on a V6 but has fixed the problem totally.

Lincs Robert wrote on 30. Aug 2011 at 20:18:

.... Not the easiest of jobs on a V6 but has fixed the problem totally.

Not too bad  ;) ISTR it's only 3 bolts that actually hold it to the engine  :-/

Are there different pumps? SO should mine be coming from a 2,6 or can I use 2,5/3,0/3,2 pumps as well? And, once again, only does this in the first turn in the morning, have never noticed it in any other occasion.

kcl wrote on 31. Aug 2011 at 10:55:

Are there different pumps? SO should mine be coming from a 2,6 or can I use 2,5/3,0/3,2 pumps as well? And, once again, only does this in the first turn in the morning, have never noticed it in any other occasion.

I believe it's just the very last cars that have a different pump which, as long as you use its piping will fit anyway. Other than that, they're the same.

Ok, mine being a MY2002 should be the later type and I need to source one of the later type OR take earlier WITH plumbing. Thanks. Will be chekcing/doing following things:
- oil change, DEX II
- check strut top bearings
- re-check all steering mechanics
If none of this helps will find a new pump.