Power steering problems

[Daggernite]

Hi, I'm having abit of a problem with my power steering. Basically every now and then, the power steering in my astra does'nt start working when I start the engine. Sometimes I have to start the engine multiple times before it activates again. I've checked for leaks and found nothing, I've topped off the power steering fluid, I've even waited a couple of week hoping it might fix itself. But its still happening.

Just wondering weather anyone can give me any advice or ideas as to what the problem can be before I have to go have it seen to.

Thanks

[AlienDB7]

How about the power steering pump? Also check the belt.

[Daggernite]

Originally Posted by AlienDB7 How about the power steering pump? Also check the belt.

Well its electric not belt driven, I really hoping its a cheaper problem other than the pump, but now I'm starting to think it could be.£245 is the cheapest I found. But if it was the pumps fault would the power steering not cut out while the car was been driven? Because aslong as the power steering starts when I start the car, its fine, its just sometimes it comes on, some times it dont. its weird.

[ZfrkS62]

baisically, power steering's effects are more felt at parking lot speeds. as speeds increase, the system should back off the assist.

there may be a check valve or something that is sticking.

Astra is Opel isn't it?

i do'nt know anything about those systems, but it's sounding to be the pump.

[Daggernite]

Originally Posted by ZfrkS62 baisically, power steering's effects are more felt at parking lot speeds. as speeds increase, the system should back off the assist. there may be a check valve or something that is sticking. Astra is Opel isn't it? i do'nt know anything about those systems, but it's sounding to be the pump.

yeah its opel.. Vauxhall actually hehe. Arrgh thats a real pain in the ass then, my dad said it could be a relay or something? anyone know anything about that?

[T-Bird]

So the pump is electrically controlled not belt driven?
and it sometimesworks but not always, it sounds like an electrical problem not the actual pump I would say check the fuse but you say that you are sure it works on occasion and a blown fuse would totally kill it. I think either there is a loose ground somewhere or an exposed wire that is shorting itself out somewhere...

[saadie]

^^ yep check the wireing for loose connections and also check the relays .... sometimes a thin coat or dust sticks on the relays legs ... and it stops working ...

[AlienDB7]

You should check to see if there's any TSB on the problem. GM is generally pretty good with the TSBs in north america, not sure about the european models.

I once had a loose connector to the tranny that leads to some weird and random hydraulic behaviours. After securing the connection, the problem simply disappeared... no more "rebooting" the car to get the onboard computer to reset. That sure saved me an expensive tranny job.

[Daggernite]

Thanks guys, Ive read all the above, Ill go have a really good check of all wires and connections now.