Power steering problem.

[pistanbroke]

I haven`t given up on the "power" steering yet, but if I cannot sort it can I change it to a manual rack. There are loads on ebay for around £50. Is it simply a case of swapping it over and just leave the wiring to the old rack taped up somewhere or would this lead to other issues with the ecu etc. Is it best to remove the control module and the eps unit too.

[tolsen]

There is a wee problem in that the input pinion on power and non power steering racks are different length. Non power steering rack pinion length from centre line of rack is approximately 130 mm. Same on power steering rack approximately 160 mm. Easier therefore to remove motor on power steering rack and fit a suitable cover to blank hole.

As for electrical complications I suggest you try disconnecting all connectors to steering rack control module and see what happens.

[Thrumbleux]

Realised today that neither the ESP or ABS lights were working. A check revealed that someone had removed the bulbs. Of course they are now on permanantly. The car never went into limp mode though which I would have expected.

I'd be going back and having words with the vendor you bought the car from. Unless I'm wrongly conflating these lights with air bag lights, they have to be present and working correctly to pass an MOT. A car that cannot pass an MOT cannot be deemed roadworthy and 'fit for purpose'. You have legal rights.

. Still can`t understand why it switches off at 5mph though.
.

Some programming fault I suspect and possibly why the lights were removed. A word with someone who understands the programming of these systems wouldn't go amiss. Firstly to drill down on the existing problem, secondly to advise on any electronic/programming issues which may accrue in converting to manual set-up.

[mccsmart2002]

The smart fortwo EPS is designed to work at low speeds for tight manoeuvres and parking only. It does not function with electronic assistance at all times.

[pistanbroke]

I'd be going back and having words with the vendor you bought the car from. Unless I'm wrongly conflating these lights with air bag lights, they have to be present and working correctly to pass an MOT. A car that cannot pass an MOT cannot be deemed roadworthy and 'fit for purpose'. You have legal rights.

Private sale Im afraid, let the buyer beware etc. As for the MOT, my understanding is that there cannot be any illuminated warning lights to pass, hence removing bulbs. Not all testing stations are familiar with all cars and wouldn`t neccessarily know whether they did or did not have ESP or ABS. Still dodgy though and a deliberate attempt to mislead. I didn`t pick up on it when test driving, and in fact the car drives really well, and brakes well. The heavy steering was noted, but I had read about this problem and thought it would be a simple case of seized joints.

[Thrumbleux]

Private sale Im afraid, let the buyer beware etc. .

You must have some rights - surely? Even if only reporting vendor to where the car was advertised and have them apply sanction.

[ossy]

Did you put oil in the steeringrack?
what I mentioned earlier

[137699]

Ossy - could you put up some photos of what you're describing - as there are plenty of us with PAS and stiff steering...

[pistanbroke]

Did you put oil in the steeringrack?
what I mentioned earlier

Not yet, but weather permitting this weekend I will be dropping undertray to do stop switch which will give me better access so will try it then.

[Big Performance]

Its the Universal joint in the steering column and the uj just above the motor that I THINK ossy is talking about.

The uj in the column is just above your feet

[tolsen]

The way I read Ossy's posts is he is suggesting to get oil into the rack by lifting rubber seal in way of pinion.

[ossy]

The way I read Ossy's posts is he is suggesting to get oil into the rack by lifting rubber seal in way of pinion.

Yes, thats what i did.
No , more heavy steering, when leaving a corner.
I can drive around, with a few vinger on the steering wheel.
Before that i needed 2 hands , (by law, always have 2 hands on the steering wheel) to correct any steering.

I put ATF oil in it.
And than you steer full lock to the right, and than full lock to the left.
And go for a test drive.

The problem is gone , never had any problem later on.
I did this fix , for 4 months ago.

[137699]

Ossy - I am mechanically fairly inept.... could you post a photo of where to put the oil?