Intermittent power steering issue?

[Steve McF]

Well here we go again - whilst the Aero is in the garage patiently waiting for the next available booking at Bagnals to sort the bits mentioned in the other thread, I had to move it out of the garage today to park on the drive. As I was reversing back onto the drive, the steering suddenly became very heavy. As I turned the wheel it got easier again, and then heavy again.

So whilst stopped on the drive, I could turn the wheel half a turn to the right before it became very heavy, and I could turn it about a third of the way round to the left before it became heavy.

There are no fault messages on the SiD, and no warning light on the dash.

So.....could this be something like a knackered steering column UJ rather than a power steering failure?

[sgould]

It sounds like a UJ issue.  The usual fault with the power steering is the engine oil leaking into the pump, but that usually causes light steering and is consistent.

[Steve McF]

Just looked up the UJ and they're £300+ for a new part 

The car is starting to look like a good candidate for breaking!!!!  As my enthusiasm for getting one thing after another fixed is beginning to wane!!!!

[carrera]

A UJ failure sounds like an unusual issue. I haven't seen any signs of weakness on any of the cars I have worked on..... but then, perhaps the 9-3 has a weakness?

Engine mount failures can generically cause similar symptoms don't assume the worst

[sgould]

The NG 9-3 has a different UJ arrangement. It sits in a rubber grommet in the floor.  When it goes wrong, it goes wrong in its own way.

[Steve McF]

A couple of people have suggested lubricating the UJ, or check the PAS fluid level. I haven't had another chance to look at the car yet, but PAS fluid level would be my first check