Power steering is acting strange..bit heavy

Angie Kelly · Post by **Angie Kelly** » Mon Nov 11, 2013 3:51 pm

Hi This is my first time experience with a Bongo, I just bought it in August...the steering has suddenly gone heavy? Any ideas?

Post by **Ian** » Mon Nov 11, 2013 3:53 pm

This was answered recently over in the Bongo Clinic in main part of website:

Stiff One

Q: My steering seems incredibly stiff. I've checked the power steering fluid, and that seems OK. What else could it be? (Russell from Hull)

A: This could be caused by one of four things: a) under inflation of front tyres; b) worn constant velocity (CV) joints; c) perished power steering (PAS) seals; or d) limp wrists.

Angie Kelly · Post by **Angie Kelly** » Mon Nov 11, 2013 4:03 pm

Where do I check the power steering fluid? Sorry, I didn't get a handbook with mine. Is there a possiblity to get a PDF copy of the Bongo handbook in English

rita · Post by **rita** » Mon Nov 11, 2013 4:52 pm

Angie Kelly wrote:Where do I check the power steering fluid? Sorry, I didn't get a handbook with mine. Is there a possiblity to get a PDF copy of the Bongo handbook in English

Under the drivers seat, go to part identification the PS fluid reservoir is item 3.

http://mazdabongo.wikispaces.com/Parts

tay · Post by **tay** » Mon Nov 11, 2013 4:55 pm

lift drivers side seat up to access engine and
you should see the container in front of you
im sure it says steering fluid only on the lid

Post by **Ian** » Mon Nov 11, 2013 4:56 pm

Angie Kelly wrote:Is there a possiblity to get a PDF copy of the Bongo handbook in English

'Fraid not. For copywrite reasons the manuals are available as old fashioned books. But most of the instructions, guidance etc can be found here on the Forum, in the Wiki, or in the member's area of the website.

mikeWalsall · Post by **mikeWalsall** » Mon Nov 11, 2013 5:00 pm

The 'glove box' handbook is well worth having and covers both petrol and diesel models ..

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/mercha ... tm#Manuals

What engine have you got a 2.0 or 2.5 litre petrol .. or 2.5 diesel ..??

The power steering filler / container is under the drivers seat (yellow cap .. bottom right) and you top it up with Dexron auto transmission fluid ..

Mine is a 2.5 petrol ...

... but the 2.5 diesel is in the same position ..

http://mazdabongo.wikispaces.com/Parts

David Edwards · Post by **David Edwards** » Mon Nov 11, 2013 6:34 pm

OR... try a quick fix,lol, open the bonnet and follow the steering rod down and you will see a cv joint, give this a damn good blast with a hose pipe then spray it with lubricating spray or spray grease, dont use wd40 because as good as it is it will evaporate quickly, hopefully then..like mine..it will do the trick, certainly worth a try,lol.

Angie Kelly · Post by **Angie Kelly** » Thu Nov 14, 2013 1:47 pm

Thanks all for quick response Ill try a few of those tips...

David Edwards · Post by **David Edwards** » Fri Nov 15, 2013 8:38 pm

Strange but mine started making a noise the last couple of days, today started to look for the belt and see what it's like, seemed ok..now I have had the bongo 10 years and I honestly could not remember where the fluid reservoir was, I looked under the bonnet, found the brake fluid reservoir, full and ok, water, fine no more leaky pipe, lifted passenger seat, nope not there so was baffled. Now it must be a sign of age I suppose lol, I never even thought of looking under the drivers seat area...same as when I thought the cruise control box had dropped off...well eventually twigged and looked and lo and behold..there it was and...registering minimum fluid, bit strange, no leaks apparent anywhere, pump fine, pipework fine, topped it up and noise went almost straight away, will keep an eye on it though, I just wondered has it been low since the engine was changed..or could it have been, really weird. Will check it tomoz, got big sheet of cardboard under it tonight to check.

mikeWalsall · Post by **mikeWalsall** » Fri Nov 15, 2013 9:37 pm

Is yours a petrol engine .. as the the diesel power steering pump does not have a separate drive belt ..??

On my motors for years .. (originaly for my wives benefit) .. I have tended to paint the regular check points with yellow paint ..

This was 'her' Omega..

Even though she as been dead for nearly nine years I still do it on 'my' motors..!!

David Edwards · Post by **David Edwards** » Fri Nov 15, 2013 10:15 pm

See here I go again, lol what is that dipstick for then, is it gear oil or what, ashamed to ask as a 10 year owner,lol.

mikeWalsall · Post by **mikeWalsall** » Sat Nov 16, 2013 12:18 am

Dunno if you are being serious ..??

Gripped · Post by **Gripped** » Sat Nov 16, 2013 7:55 pm

David Edwards wrote:See here I go again, lol what is that dipstick for then, is it gear oil or what, ashamed to ask as a 10 year owner,lol.

That'll be the ATF fluid dipstick matey (automatic transmission fluid).

David Edwards · Post by **David Edwards** » Sun Nov 17, 2013 6:13 pm

Of course soon as I sent it I realised what it was and since mine is manual, no wonder I aint seen it,lol, checked car today, no leaks, yay.

Power steering is acting strange..bit heavy

Power steering is acting strange..bit heavy

Re: Power steering is acting strange..bit heavy

Re: Power steering is acting strange..bit heavy

Re: Power steering is acting strange..bit heavy

Re: Power steering is acting strange..bit heavy

Re: Power steering is acting strange..bit heavy

Re: Power steering is acting strange..bit heavy

Re: Power steering is acting strange..bit heavy

Re: Power steering is acting strange..bit heavy

Re: Power steering is acting strange..bit heavy

Re: Power steering is acting strange..bit heavy

Re: Power steering is acting strange..bit heavy

Re: Power steering is acting strange..bit heavy

Re: Power steering is acting strange..bit heavy

Re: Power steering is acting strange..bit heavy