i have a mk1 galaxy, with intermittent failiure on the power steering

[wandrin1971]

 it doesnt make any funny noises just very heavy steering now n then, usually combined with low engine revs?? any ideas. just had new turbo fitted and a little reluctant to spend any more money for a while if possible

[Mirez]

The heaviness will come from the low RPM's - the power steering pump needs a minimum engine speed to generate the pressure required to turn the steering. Normally this type of issue is caused by a slipping aux belt but you wouldn't get the lower RPM's if that was the case. It could be either that something on the aux belt is dragging way more power then it should be (seized A/C compressor for example) or it could be an engine management problem simply allowing the rev's to drop lower then they should be.

[wandrin1971]

thanks, ac seems to work fine, can the aux belt be adjusted easily(myself)?

[wandrin1971]

changed my mind about low revs, not related at all.!! more confused than ever

[Steveselvage]

Does it only happen in the rain?
Mine does it now and then if it's really wet, my boys sharan is the same.
I've been told its because the plastic under tray is missing allowing water to get to the belt causing it to slip