Hello

As a new owner of a 2004  model street ka  could i please ask a question to all you longer term owners out there  as i need the benefit of your experience!

In comparison with other makes of car i have owned/driven over the years i find the steering on the street ka quite heavy for a small car, the power system is operating ,its just that it feels  to have more weight and less assistance than i would have expected overall.

I would describe it as a feel somewhat like halfway between a normal power steering system and a car that,s not fitted with power assistance at all

i am not saying that you have to haul the steering wheel around with both hands to get it to react, just in my opinion a greater than normal initial resistance and a slightly dead feel at low speeds, would you  say that describes normal range for this car or do you think it may imply possible problems with the system?

So as you have as much information as possible  the following  things have been checked.

the serpentine drive belt is in good condition and the tensioner is working correctly.

the power steering fluid has been changed and is brand new with the levels correct and pump blead through correctly .

the steering rack is leak free and with the front of the car raised, the wheels turn as soon as you rotate the steering wheel.

the pump is not making lots of noise just a normal whirring in operation with the usual valve noise when at full lock. 

there is no excessive play in the front steering bushes, every thing is secure knuckles/ball joints etc

the car has  just passed mot with no advisories!

all opinions gratefully received

i am perfectly willing to accept i may just be paranoid about it

would just like some ideas is all really.

many thanks to anyone who responds in advance.

Steve

 

Can anyone help please?

Since my wife has suffered an age related problem with her shoulder she is finding it nearly impossible to drive her little baby bathtub StreetKA around town and parking in tight spaces. They fitted Electric Power Steering to later models (hers is 2006) from 2009. Is it possible to take off the Hydraulic system and convert?

Any information or ideas of where I can have this work done would be much appreciated. She loves this quirky little car.