Lumpy power steering

[will]

I've been running a 2L twink tranny for the last 3 years and thinking back the steering has always been a tad lumpy!
Fitting a smaller steering wheel and ignoring the problem has not improved matters and I'm starting to feel I should maybe do something about it.

I know sweet FA about power steering and assume that the porridge within has just gone a bit orf (lumpy, like school dinner mash) and requires changing?

It seems to loose no fluid which can only be a good thing. Any tips/advice or possible likely causes and pitfalls to be aware of would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Token (not my) tranny

[Tepper]

Change the fluid, it's the easiest thing to try and it ought to make a difference if it hasn't been done recently. How I did it was use a syringe to get the old fluid out of the reservoir, then take off a hose on the P/S pump and tie it below the level of the rest of the system. Keep the reservoir topped up with fresh fluid and it'll just drain out, catch it with a milk bottle or something until it runs clean. Top up the reservoir to level et voila!

[robg2]

My money would be on:

1. Pump's knackered.

2. You've got something wrong with the reservoir and the pump can't pull fluid out of it fast enough. Kinked hose?

[will]

Forgot I posted this though remembered when I drove the van the other day. It sometimes feels OKish and then other times is not good.

I'll apply fresh fluid whilst keeping an eye out for kinky hoes and see where that takes me.

Thanks for the help.

[welshpug]

I'd be looking at the mechanical side of it, may be a few seized/stiff joints in the steering column.

[mirafioriman]

Some systems have a filter fitted. If so they rarely get changed, it's something else worth checking.

Also starting with simple stuff, is the belt in good condition and correctly adjusted?

[MattE]

Check the uj's, i know it's a different car (205) but mine felt like i was turning a 50p, turned out the uj had part seized , quick squirt of wd and every things fine.

[10mpg]

yeah jack the front up and see if it still feels lumpy with the engine off and the weight off the wheels,

[will]

Loadsa great ideas here, I'll bookmark the thread so I can come back to it when I find the time.
I reckon a months sabbatical from work would see my fleet right, never seem to find the time at the minute.