Power Steering Stiff

[Great Uncle Kip]

Hi

The power steering on my C180 (95) recently seems to have got heavier - it used to be fantastically light, but just recently it seems to have got rather heavier - not massively heavy by any means, but definitely heavier.

If i steer the wheel fully in either direction while at standstill, i can hear a squeaking and feel some resistance, which never used to be the case.

Is there anything that I can check etc before i take it to the garage for diagnosis?

 

[wemorgan]

I'd check:

reservoir level
tyre pressures (when cold / before a journey)

 

[camerafodder]

Loose belt on your power steering pump would be my first guess.

 

[johnsco]

Certainly check all the above.
Another possibility is a steering joint that's a bit stiff.
If the protective boot fails, water gets in and they can stiffen up quite quickly.
It's happened to me in the past.
If that's the case, then replacement is required.

 

[EDZ649]

Also check the steering damper if you car has one.