Steering on my 4200 spyder goes heavy sometimes - any ideas please

[RoaryRati]

Could this be problem on our 3000 mile Alpine tour with several twisty passes!! The steering sometimes goes stiff and needs a bit of effort - what would you suggest. We've got international breakdown cover and know tyre pressure makes a massive difference to handling.

 

[philw696]

Do the obvious visual checks fluid level in the pas reservoir, condition of the aux belt.
Any fluid on the floor from overnight parking.
Any adverse noise from pump area ?
Has the fluid been changed recently ?
Good Luck as you want to enjoy those twisties.

 

[RoaryRati]

Many thanks for the comprehensive answer Phil - aux belt just been replaced by SI, no fluid on floor from overnight parking that we are of - I check on a regular basis, there is something today but who knows if it is Roary. No adverse noise from pump area. Don't know about fluid change and MrRR can't get top of pas reservoir - could that be because a vacuum has been created?

 

[philw696]

The cap should easily come off.
Can you put a piece of rag around and try that ?
If it was really low the pump would be noisy.

 

[RoaryRati]

Many thanks - internet c..p here - Mr RR will attempt your tip tomorrow. A nice run up the Lenzerheide pass and now half way up the Julier - I may just develop a few more muscles!!

 

[BennyD]

It's Italian character mate. If a 4200 spyder isn't at, or just beyond, the point of letting you down, it isn't doing its job. My advice is drive it hard.and enjoy yourself, that way, if it does break down, you can at least drive the hire car knowing you did all you could.

 

[conaero]

Yep belts done, fluids double and triple checked. I suspect it may be the start of a struggling pas pump. You should be ok. Had a GTS in recently with the same issue, pump sorted it.

 

[RoaryRati]

Many thanks Matt - we're having a few problems with internet and phone communications otherwise would have replied sooner. Have fun.

 

[conaero]

Many thanks Matt - we're having a few problems with internet and phone communications otherwise would have replied sooner. Have fun.

No problem, he’s still running well by the sounds of it and I looks like you are having a lovely time.

 

[philw696]

When you check the PAS fluid it should be a nice translucent reddish colour as recently changed.
If it has a greyish/black colour then you have potentially a failing pump.