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Citroen C3 - intermittent power steering fault - mark seager

My wifes C3 has developed an intermittent power steering fault. One minute it is fine and then nothing. Taken to two trusted garages and they can't help without spending a fortune. Tried various forums and it seems that Citroen garages are clueles too except for billing. Anybody got any ideas?

Citroen C3 - intermittent power steering fault - Gibbo_Wirral

I had this problem on my Peugeot 307. It might not fix it for you, but its something you can try for free.

First of all, overfill the power steering reservoir.

Secondly, take off the wheel, remove the wheel arch liner so you can get to the power steering pump. Pull out the electrical connector and give a really good clean with electrical contact cleaner.

Re-attach and then seal with some waterproof spray. I use these products from Toolstation:

www.toolstation.com/shop/Automotive/Lubricants%20&...5

www.toolstation.com/shop/Automotive/Lubricants%20&...5

The same thing happens a lot on 307 horns and ABS units, they're located behind the wheel arch liner on the other wheel. The liners aren't completely waterproof and dustproof, dirt and damp gets in there over the years, especially if they're missing clips to hold it secure or its cracked or damaged, or even missing.

I've saved some people a fortune where garages have condemned the ABS unit and wanted to throw a new one on.

One other possibility - the rev counter. My work colleague's 107's power steering would only work after he started driving and moved off about six foot. It was the rev counter for some odd reason.

Edited by Gibbo_Wirral on 12/05/2014 at 14:54

Citroen C3 - intermittent power steering fault - Bolt

What date is it?, arent some electric computer controled power steering

Edited by magnit on 12/05/2014 at 22:15

Citroen C3 - intermittent power steering fault - Mr E Carter

have got the same problem happend on the motorway last time in garage new steering rack but still the same problem it just goes after a bit of struggle turning the wheel am scared after it happened on the 4 lane motorway in garage but they cant make it happen again has happend 5 times and then dissapeared each time

Citroen C3 - intermittent power steering fault - Rerepo

have got the same problem happend on the motorway last time in garage new steering rack but still the same problem it just goes after a bit of struggle turning the wheel am scared after it happened on the 4 lane motorway in garage but they cant make it happen again has happend 5 times and then dissapeared each time

Its electric power steering (assistance provided by an electric motor). French cars + electrics = problems...

Since the rack is new then I assume the motor is also new (or 'reconditioned') so should be ok. I would be looking for problems in the power supply to the motor (which draws a lot of current). Look for poor earth connection to the motor, dodgy multiplugs or weak battery or alternator. The steering is controlled by an ECU so a dealer should be able to extract fault codes. Western Power Steering in Bristol are very knowledgable on these.