Peugeot 406 power steering
by 406 Owner
2001 Peugeot 406 image added
I had the local tyre depot replace the battery with a NUMAX (I actually think VARTA are better but they didn't have them in) and thought no more about it. 6 weeks later I noted that starting was not so good, and that the power steering had become lumpy / notchy and heavy. I had a couple of mechanics' opinions and the suggestions ranged from changing the auxiliary drive belt (which is still tensioned) to replacement of the steering pump and/or rack. The prospective budget for repairs was given as anything between £180 to £700. The week or so of heavy, notchy steering was worrying to say the least. I noted that the car still ran straight, no drifting left or right etc. On a Thursday evening I fueled up at ASDA and went to start the car; the car was electrically dead. I tried my spare key - nothing. I tried the interior light - nothing. I stood outside and tried the fob to see if the car would lock - nothing. I raised the bonnet to gain access to the engine compartment fuses and battery. I checked the battery terminals and the earth (negative) was completely loose. I wriggled the connector back on and (there is a lever tensioner on this terminal) pressed the lever smartly into place. Went back to start the car - success. Drove off and found that the power steering had been fully reinstated. It seems plausible that whilst the alternator was having to work hard, it may have been causing a loss of drive to the other auxiliaries (that's the power steering and A/C) and/or there is an electrical actuator somewhere in the power steering that needs electricity to operate effectively. So - the car battery is now charging, the power steering works perfectly normally, the car starts more urgently and it didn't cost a penny to fix. I am sure that most garages would have had me into parting with a substantial amount money for this 15 second fix! |
