Renault Megane steering Problems? Steering is really stiff and heavy when driving like it is when car is off!?

Question

I have recently purchased a Renault Megane 1998 sport 1.6e. The steering has become very heavy when I'm driving the car. It feels like there is no power steering at all (same when the car is turned off). I have checked the power steering fluid which is fine.... The worst thing is that there is no play in the steering at all, i can go round a round-a-bout and the steering stays in the same place and has to be forced to move back again, un-like normally when it naturally has play in the wheel. I have spoken to a mechanic who took a brief look at it, he reckons that its the wrong steering wheel for the car which is causing a rubbing by the steering column but i am still unsure.

Any help would be great, thanks...

Answer 1

Check the belt is still there and has not dropped off.

PAS failures are very rare and are usually something simple.

Answer 2

it sounds like the power steering has gone, usually caused by hydraulic fluid loss go to any garage for a repair no need for a main dealer or if still under warranty then back to the garage who sold it to you, you go

Answer 3

well if the pump is pumping the rack is shafted...nowt to do with the stearing wheel...get a new [recon/brakers] rack...and a new mechanic...

Answer 4

check that the power steering pump is actually working.

Answer 5

make sure the belt is on and tight is the alternator light coming on it could be the same belt