astra engines

[r48 bit]

my astra was going fine till at xmas the steering got really heavy i was like" garth trying too turn the corner" i checked the fluid but it was fine then when i started it up again there was a funny squealing noise coming from the side off the engine.has anyone got any suggestions please

[woodchopper]

I'm assuming you have power steering - I would suspect the drive belt for the power steering pump is losse and the squealing is coming from it slipping on the pulley.
If memory serves correct the belt also drives the alternator as well.
Check the condition of the belt and if it is just loose and not chunks of it missing from it, there will be an adjuster allowing you to tighten it.

[Paul87]

OOO

It sounds like your describing the same thing that happened to my dad while in France. He had just parked the caravan up and pulled the car off when on a full lock, it went heavy and squelled.

Exactly the the same the fluid was there and seemed normaly however it wasnt been pumped around and where it did it was just staying in the two gaiters on the steering rack.

Not having the tools we put the car in a local garage and had the pump disconnected and a bit of pipe circulating the fluid. However this was just a temp fix while on holiday. Means you dont have any PAS.

When home the steering rack had to be replaced.

PS: Sorry forgot about this bit the car was a Vauxhall Vectra but it sounds like the same problem, also could be a vauxhall thing since it was normal to happen to Fronteras.

Cheers

Let us know what it was please