Power Steering troubles

[the invisible dog]

Hi All ;)

Looking for some help troubleshooting my Defender's power flaky power steering as I have not fiddled in this area before
It appears to have got heavier recently but no longer feels consistent, it feels as though it has tight spots but these are not always in the same places
There are no leeks, and the fluid resevoir is full
Have bled small amounts but not changed all the fluid yet, thinking of doing that next
Have just changed the belt as it was on the end of its adjustment and althought it felt better to start with it still loses assistance unpredictably
The fact that I have felt a difference with the new belt suggests that there may have been slip but as there is still resistance I figure that the pump or the box must also be at fault
Is there a way of telling which or am I gonna end up replacing both at the end of the day?
I can see this getting expensive rapidly  :shock:

[Porny]

Worth checking the UJ's on the steering column... they have a habit of going stiff and causing tight spots.


Ian

[MuddyMike]

Give the input shaft joints a good dose of WD40, if the lumpyness goes away you have found your problem. Sometimes this will cure it for many months.

Mike

[the invisible dog]

Thanks guys, will give that a bash
Hadn't really thought about the column itself - duh!
'Red' had been standing for a while so quite possible that the UJs have gone off
Will let you know...  

[the invisible dog]

I owe you guys a beer  :D

Soaked the joints down this afternoon and drove home happy as a pig/Landy in mud  

[Jake]

Good old WD40!!
Funny. I had the same problem and was solved in the same way.
Amadeo spotted it on mine.
Glad to hear its ok now.
 :D

[stefan]

My 90 has had tight spots for the last week or so, sprayed my UJ's yesterday and now all gone too!!

Stef