ford puma 1.7

[Transalp]

My partner has a 2001 ford puma 56,000 miles,she claims that the steering has become heavy(tyre pressure ok).On putting steering on full lock there is a whirring noise from power steering pump?is this normal??Thanks 

[Beswad]

Check if the power steering oil is low.

[jaydee101]

Exactly the same thing happened to me in my Vectra SRI. The power steering fluid was low. Topped it up and no more problems.

[Transalp]

Thanks for getting back to me,already checked fluid and it was fine??

[pathardie]

Check if the power steering fluid is still fine whilst the engine is running and the car is steering (whilst stationary), probably may take two of you, one to look one to steer When the engine isn't running the fluid sits in the beaker/conainer and may appear ok when it really isn't.

[Transalp]

Thanks for that Pathardie,never thought about doing it that way.Cheers Ray.

[freshfruit]

Is it a whirring noise or a screaching noise???

If its the latter than its more than likely caused by the power steering belt slipping, You can either replace the power steering belt or have it tightened if its still in good condition.

The screaching is the belt slipping and this in turn leads to the very heavy steering.

This kind of problem often happens this time of year when everything starts to get a bit moist! plus its also worth remembering that you should try and avoid ever putting a car on complete full lock, it puts a lot of pressure on the system.

Hope this helps!

[Transalp]

Thanks Freshfruit,All seems fine now.Just like to say thanks to everyone who helped