Power Steering - heavy but no leak

[din888]

Hello everyone!

Wondering if you have come across similar problem and what the remedy is.

My power steering (on the 2004 Cayenne S) got "heavy" some 12 months ago. I found the the fluid level in the reservoir was low and subsequently I had topped it up.

12 months has passed by - the level in the reservoir stays the same and the steering is just as heavy.

Could it be just a pressure switch or fuse problem somewhere? My mechanic, who is not a Porsche specialist, is equally bafffled.

cheers

DIN

[wvicary]

There must be a leak, the fluid doesn't evaporate. The pump might have been damaged due to the low fluid, once air enters the system it doesn't take much to damage the pump.

Are you using the correct fluid? Is your steering speed sensitive? Are the tires inflated correctly or and suspension components in good condition as in not siezing? Serpentine belt not slipping? Just a few things to inspect.

[din888]

Thanks!

I googled this forum and gathered that I needed to get Pentosin. I got one with parts no G 004 000 M2. I was told it is the same as the one used by Touareg and Audi Q7. The fluid is green in colour.

Yes, the steering is speed sensitive, at least prior to it becoming heavy.

I check the tires every 2 weeks. Suspension seems ok too. So is the see time belt.

There could be a leak, but I can't explain why the level in te reservoir has not deteriorated over the past 12 months...unless the workshop had done something behind my back!

Cheers....

[din888]

I meant serpentine belt?..sorry.

[din888]

Serpentine....clumsy fingers pressing the ?....Haha. Cheers.

[RFM]

Check if the electrical connector on the steering rack is still in place, most other causes are, wiring, speed signal missing, steering rack failure. I hope for you that it is a loose connector.

[azelaya]

I have the same problem in my 04 CTT and the problem in my case was the servotronic in the steering rack, i just waiting for my new steering rack.

I hope that help you

[din888]

Thanks guys. I definitely have the servotronic option (looked at my options list). I have yet to check the electrical connector. Perhaps in another 2 weeks or so. Azelaya - how did you find out that the servotronic is the problem? PIWIS?

[MobyDickGermany]

Hello everyone!

My power steering on my 2004 ayenne S is heavy since changing the tires to 275. I have servotronic.Fluid level is ok. Pressure on tires is ok. Fuse is ok.

I found the servotronic relay under the dashbord. Is there a possibility to test the relay with durametric or do i have to go to a dealer with piwis?

Perhaps it´s a connector. Where can I find these connectors.

thanks :-)

[RFM]

Hello everyone!

My power steering on my 2004 ayenne S is heavy since changing the tires to 275. I have servotronic.Fluid level is ok. Pressure on tires is ok. Fuse is ok.

I found the servotronic relay under the dashbord. Is there a possibility to test the relay with durametric or do i have to go to a dealer with piwis?

Perhaps it´s a connector. Where can I find these connectors.

thanks :-)

Why not try again with stock tires (rims), may borrow from a friend or something, maybe there is nothing wrong with the servotronic, the system also has his limits.

[MobyDickGermany]

In a few weeks I will return to 255 winter tires. So I will see....

Today I removed the relay and the steering became much heavier, so it seems not to be the problem.

Does anyone know if there is a connector I can check?? Where can I check the speed signal?? :eek:

[deilenberger]

I run the 275-50/19's that are stock on the Titanium edition, and with ServoTronic - the steering is amazingly light at parking lot speeds (it firms up as you go faster.) Speed sensor might well be worth thinking about, but bet it gets it from one of the modules like the PSM/ABS module.

[din888]

Hi all, hope all's well. Finally found some time to look into this again. The mechanic saw that the wire/small cable leading to the connector (into the steering rack, right at the bottom) got cut off. Any idea where this wire comes from? I hope the problem will be solved by reconnecting the wire. Appreciate any leads to this. Thanks very much :)

[bigbuzuki]

The servotronic control relay has been known to fail causing heavy steering.

Edited April 2, 2014 by bigbuzuki

[din888]

Thank you bigbuzuki....I will certainly check that out tomorrow. BTW, how do I know that the relay needs changing? Can this be picked up by PIWIS? Or just by trial and error by putting on a new relay? Thanks again..

[bigbuzuki]

IIRC, I don't think the servo relay is connected up into the CAN, therefore won't be picked up as faulty.

[din888]

hi all...many, many thanks for all your help. Problem is solved now - it's the little wire/cable that got detached. I am so glad! Cheers!

[feralc]

Hello I have the same issue with my Cayenne turbo 2004, I removed the servotronic fuse and it got "heavier" so the fuse is ok, can you please tell me how accessible is the area where the "wire" got detached? Is it from inside the cabin or through the engine Thanks

[Henry_texas]

I have the same issue that the steering wheel is heavier at low speed. Stopped by the dealer twice. They said it is normally and there is no servotronic control relay.......

 

The car like no power steering at all at low speed now.