Very sluggish power steering

[Immortality]

Variatronic steering is where the pressure/load on the power steering system is controlled via the BCM electronically. It makes the steering nice and light when going slow. Normally only found on Calais models but I guess it could be optioned on others.

But as far as I know, the only difference at the pump is the fitting the hose screws into. On the rack there is a electronic solenoid that control the pressure instead.

 

[PlenumBiscuit]

Thanks might that mean I need a varitronic pump too, and the new standard pump I got could be wrong for the car?

 

[Lex]

Thanks might that mean I need a varitronic pump too, and the new standard pump I got could be wrong for the car?

Do you have a Calais?

 

[Immortality]

Thanks might that mean I need a varitronic pump too, and the new standard pump I got could be wrong for the car?

Depends on what steering system you have.

You can just swap the rear fitting from the Variatronic pump into the standard pump, I've done this myself.

 

[Immortality]

To undo the high pressure fitting you need 2 pipe spanners, one on the high pressure fitting and another on the nut it screws into. Set the spanners up so that they are like the handles on a pair of scissors before you cut something so that when you squeeze the 2 spanners together it will undo the high pressure fitting.

 

[PlenumBiscuit]

Not a Calais

Just an executive July 2004

 

[Immortality]

Doubtful it will have variatronic steering.

 

[greenacc]

Did you try some new fluid before you got the gas axe onto it?

 

[PlenumBiscuit]

Did you try some new fluid before you got the gas axe onto it?

Well pulled it all a part and tried the high pressure hose last...so couldn't crack that, so just left and reassembled, but put the new fluid in. Seems a little bit better, but still has some solid heavy feels in parts of the turning.

 

[greenacc]

Well pulled it all a part and tried the high pressure hose last...so couldn't crack that, so just left and reassembled, but put the new fluid in. Seems a little bit better, but still has some solid heavy feels in parts of the turning.

Does the fluid look red now or still dark?