Steering and battery dead

[Mr S]

Hoping someone can offer assistance with this. Was driving the GS to work yesterday, and all of a sudden the power steering went, and i noticed that the volt meter on the dash had the red light on, and showing no voltage. Luckily, living in Milton Keynes, i got to the next round about and managed to just about nurse the car home. Tried to start it last night, and got the rapid fire sound, but no cranking. All lights etc seem to work ok. Gone to it today, and battery is almost dead, so pulled it out and put it on charge. The terminals were all tight, as i checked them. I could still shift gear, and most other things seemed to work.
Have spoke to Richard who i got the car from and he suggested the terminals or a fuse, but cant think of why a fuse blowing would cause the issues i had.
Open to all suggestions.

 

[allandwf]

It may not be charging. Put it back when charged and if all good, alternator would be my guess.

 

[Mr S]

I did wonder about alternator, but Richard seemed to think they are usually very reliable, havnt had a chance to see if the belt has snapped or anything like that.

 

[Swedish Paul]

Maybe not related, but my Porsche didn't show the usual battery light check before starting the engine. Also got low volts. The alternator was refurbished and now all is well. The higher the revs, the less an issue. But the alternator refurb cured quite a few issues.

 

[voicey]

Alternator light comes on and power steering goes hard? First port of call is to check that the belt is still on.

 

[maser_4200]

I've had to do an alternator, and I think they get a lot of heat where they are.

But great point on the v-belt check suggestion above...

 

[beau]

Yes sounds like the belt, its hydraulic steering, not electric

 

[Mr S]

Makes sense now iv had some time to think about it, cheers folks. Best place to get a belt from?

 

[safrane]

As suggested check the belt is still on but also that it is turning.

My AC compressor siezed preventing the belt from turning properly and gave the similar symptoms.

 

[Mr S]

Il have a look this morning, up watching the F1. Anything against going to Euro Car Parts and getting a belt from them?

 

[voicey]

The proper belt is a 6PK1534 however Eurocarparts sell a 6PK1538 which will fit. I think the part number is 202110325 but please check before buying.

 

[Mr S]

Cheers Voicey. Battery fully charged and installed, so i could open the bonnet. Belt is/was in very bad shape, pulley has some roughness to the edge, and belt had come off.

 

[conaero]

As Safrane says, grab the ac pulley and wobble and turn it will be very apparent if there is a problem.

 

[Wack61]

I put a new belt on my 4200 but it didn't last long, the pulley on the timing cover was wobbling slightly throwing it out of balance which knackered the belt up, new pulley and it was fine

 

[Kyle4200]

My belt squeaks in 1 second on off intervals when starting from cold, lasts for a few minutes until up to temperature, very annoying on a Sunday morning! Never used to do it, new belt required?

 

[voicey]

My belt squeaks in 1 second on off intervals when starting from cold, lasts for a few minutes until up to temperature, very annoying on a Sunday morning! Never used to do it, new belt required?

Spray some water onto the belt the next time it is squealing. If the noise goes away it is the belt.

 

[Kyle4200]

Spray some water onto the belt the next time it is squealing. If the noise goes away it is the belt.

Cheers! Will do it tomorrow morning... MOT

 

[CatmanV2]

I put a new belt on my 4200 but it didn't last long, the pulley on the timing cover was wobbling slightly throwing it out of balance which knackered the belt up, new pulley and it was fine

When did that happen? I replaced one of the idlers as well....

C

 

[Mr S]

Well Sunday i changed the belt. Managed to do it by just removing the TB, then the rubber pipe going to the MAF, and that was only to enable it to go back together easier. Wasnt an easy job, as space was tight, so got some cut hands. No different to working on my VX220 really. Lol
Where can i get the pulley from? Also, the oil return part of the hose that goes onto the TB is split, so has anyone got a spare?