is there any D.I.Y. soltions to the power steering of my xantia estate diesal. It seems that when I start the car up, that it is taking longer to rise, and the power steering is also getting sloppy. breaks dont feel to be working properly, intermitantly. could it be the pump.

s.robinson, March 2007

Lumpy or stiff power steering is usually as a result of dirt in the power steering flow control valve. Use Total Hydraflush to clean out the entire system, and follow the instructions! Make sure you clean out the LHM tank and filters properly with petrol.
The sphere in the middle at the rear is Anti-Sink. The Accumulator Sphere is at the front.
As the spheres degrade the gas inside them is lost and replaced by LHM. This appears like a loss of fluid but is not.

AlexisWolf, March 2013

i have a 1998 xantia and my rear suspnesion dont ris has should up and down with the ajuster inside car. when star car the rear go down then self levels the fronts fine. also every now and then the power steering go stiff while turning right. i check on the fluid and the yellow ball is at top. i did back brakes and put some more lmh fluid in but the yellow ball dont move and the unit the dont look has though theres much fluid in so i all together put 2 ltres in. i check to see if any leaks and is,nt any so what could it be.

craig, September 2010

how to change a powersteering pump showing diagrams

will thomson, June 2008

lost use of power steering and brakes all at the same time

will thomson, June 2008

Its more than likely the pump "if it's leaking" or accumulator sphere (at the rear centre of the chassis cross member, behind the spare wheel carrier looking from the rear of the car) A replacement sphere is fairly cheap and not a big job to replace all be it a bit fiddly.
Over time the accumulator loses gas pressure and makes the pump work overtime (constant clicking sound) It's also responsible for the lumpy brake feel when coming to a halt. I've replaced two over 110,000 miles and every time the brakes, suspension and power steering feel like brand new again for another 60,000 mile or so.
Don't forget to start the engine and set the suspension to High setting before checking the LHM fluid level.... A common mistake that a lot of Xantia owners forget to do.

Graham B, August 2007

more than likly as they all work of the same system,,,,,have u checked ur fluid level???

chris, April 2007