Hello I have just brought a 2008 S-max and am having a issue with the power steering, at high speeds it’s fine but when doing slow speed manoeuvres (like parking) the steering sometimes goes really heavy. Is this a common problem or something a garage needs to look at. 
 

some extra info. It’s a 2.0 tdci with 150,000 miles last service was at about 87,000 miles.

1 hour ago, Adamrb said:

It’s a 2.0 tdci with 150,000 miles last service was at about 87,000 miles.

Think you have answered your own question. So I assume you have hydraulic power steering, when was the fluid last changed or for that matter checked and topped up ?

Just been and had a look at it this morning the fluid in the reservoir looks crystal clear, but it is over the max line would that be causing any problems? 

I doubt that being slightly over the max line is going to be the cause, no. If the fluid is good then you could have partially clogged hydraulic lines, a worn out steering rack, a worn out hydraulic steering pump, or a problem at the steering column. A worn auxiliary (serpentine) belt could also be a cause, maybe (I'm imagining it not managing to turn the pump enough at low speeds, but enough at higher speeds).

Thanks for the reply, I’ll have to have a look in to these to see if these are the issues