Steering rack
| Symptom | Likely cause | Quick check | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clunk or knock when turning | Worn rack bushings, inner tie rods, water in the boots | Rock the wheel with the car on the ground and watch the tie rods | Replace tie rods first if loose; replace the rack if there is play or a leak |
| Play or vague steering | Worn rack or inner tie rods | Small movement of the wheel before the wheels react | Replace the rack |
| Oil near the front wheels | Seal wear, leak at the boots | Clean the area, steer lock to lock, look for fresh fluid | Persistent leak: replace the rack |
| Heavy steering | Low fluid, slipping belt, weak pump, internal leak | Check fluid and belt, then pressure-test | Repair pump or lines first, then reassess the rack |
| EPS warning light, heavy steering | Motor, sensor or low voltage | Read fault codes and test battery voltage | Follow the codes; usually a rack replacement |
A pressure test separates the two: full pressure in one direction only points to the rack, low pressure in both directions points to the pump.
Power steering pump
| Symptom | Likely cause | Quick check | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Constant whine or groan | Bearing or vane wear, low fluid, air in the system | Listen at idle; check level and whether the fluid foams | Replace the pump and flush the circuit |
| Belt noise | Pulley run-out or worn belt | Watch the pulley for run-out | Replace pump or pulley |
| Metal debris or black fluid | Internal wear | Draw a sample from the reservoir | Replace pump and flush the circuit |
A whine on its own more often points to the pump or the fluid than to the rack.
A/C compressor
| Symptom | Likely cause | Quick check | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clutch does not engage | Burnt coil, fuse or relay | Measure coil resistance and supply voltage | Replace coil or compressor |
| Poor cooling, slow refrigerant loss | Shaft seal leak | UV dye or pressure check | Replace compressor and receiver-drier |
| Noise from the compressor | Internal wear, low charge | Listen and check pressures | Replace compressor |
When a compressor is replaced, the system must be evacuated, refilled with the specified oil and fitted with a new receiver-drier, otherwise the new unit can fail again.
Air suspension
| Symptom | Likely cause | Quick check | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sags overnight, rises after start | Air spring or line leak | If it levels after starting, the leak is in the spring or line; soapy water test | Replace air spring or strut |
| Will not rise, pump silent | Compressor, relay or fuse | Check supply at the compressor | Repair circuit or replace pump |
| Pump runs frequently | Leak making the pump overwork | Listen after locking the car | Fix the leak first, then assess pump and relay |
| One corner low | Air spring or height sensor on that side | Compare the four corners | Replace that spring or sensor |
A pump that runs too often overheats and can damage the lines. When replacing a compressor, replace the relay as well.
When replacement is the right call
- Rack play with tie rods already ruled out.
- Water ingress or metal debris inside the rack.
- Cracked or bulging air spring bellows.
- Electronic failure where the part costs close to a complete unit.
Send us your chassis number or original part number and we will confirm the reference.