Power Steering not working...

[alastairm]

...i can still turn the wheel with lots of effort but everytime i do i hear a squeaking sound like the power steering belt slipping. Is this belt the one i can see at the front of the engine or is it hidden somewhere under one of the covers? Also what is the likely cause as i've looked on here for similar problems and it ranges from re greasing the uv joints (if so are these easily accessable?) to a whole new power steering rack!!

Any advice greatly appreciated!

[APMAUTO]

hi alastair i presume youve checked the oil level, the pas pump is driven off the back of the oil pump via a jack shaft so no belts involved, it has known been for the woodruff key on the shaft to shere off causing loss of power steering. the pumps situated on the r/h side of the engine below the exhaust manifold you should be able to see the coupling on the shaft turning with the engine running if not that could be your problem
cheers andy(apm automotive)

[alastairm]

Thanks Andy, i take it i will do no harm to the car until i drop it in to get repaired? is it a big job/expensive???

[joospeed]

alastairm said: Thanks Andy, i take it i will do no harm to the car until i drop it in to get repaired? is it a big job/expensive???

I've just done this very job on a 4.5 cerbie .. and might have another coming in soon. I did clutch relined centre plates and power steering job for just over 400 pounds, getting the power pump off was easier cos the gearbox was out and exhaust manifolds loose for the clutch job, so reckon on maybe 150 pounds for sorting the power steering out if it's the keyway fault.

Joolz