Hissing Sid - Gone!

[roy666]

I'm sure we are all famiiar with the snake noise that comes from full arc left/right of the steering wheel. My steering is a little stiff and has been for a long while, but no problems in driving the car... and the 'hissing sid' noise has always been evident. Now, all of a sudden, it has disappeared and I can't get any noise...either left or right. Steering feels just the same and I'm not losing any pas fluid. Anything I should be concerned about?

[Dave Eds]

Your hearing?

[dapinky]

Not being (quite as) facetious as Spud.....

..... the PAS is often so light in assistance as to be barely noticeable, so is the belt still okay or has it broken?

The hissing should only be evident at full lock (mine is terrible!) and is only the bypass valve in the pump operating as it is at full pressure at that point.

[Tuga2112]

..... the PAS is often so light in assistance as to be barely noticeable,

I disagree. try to turn the steering with the car stopped and engine switched off. then turn on the engine and you will notice the differnece.

[roy666]

Thanks chaps...and Dave,..as you say, "Sid" is still there, but v light...I put my ear close to the pump and the by-pass valves do seem to be working fine.