steering prob 206 1.1 w reg

[addlepad]

Steering prob

I have a 206 1.1 w reg and the steering has a mind of its own when I change gear or lower revs the car is machanically sound any ideas I am thinking power steering prob?

[GrandadMonkey]

What are the precise symptoms?

[addlepad]

What are the precise symptoms?

Car drives off in straight line but when I take the power off the excelerator and press the clutch to change gear, the car steers/pulls/veers to the right. As soon as I re-apply power the car straightens up. Tracking is ok and tyres seem ok.. Ball joints and trackrod ends ok.. I wonder if it is to do with reduced revs relating to the power steering?.

[Capncol]

Your power steering won't cause this through revs dropping.
When you say tyres & tracking OK, have you had tracking checked on 4 wheel alignment rig? Are tyres evenly worn? Are pressures correct? Are they all the same size?

If yes to all this then see below

You can get probs like this if front tyres are different to each other, wear wise & tyre make.
If you are sure you have no wear in steering and suspension components, then try swapping the rear wheels to the front (often cures this type of prob) While you have front wheels off, make sure brakes aren't dragging.

[addlepad]

Ok thanks for your advise, I will check everything you raise here and see what happens/let you know.

[addlepad]

Just checking steering/tyres etc.. I do not have a sticker on door showing tyre pressures, please can someone confirm what pressures I should be running at?. Tyres are 175 65's and car is 1.1 engine.

thanks, addlepad

[GrandadMonkey]

Your tyres don't sound standard for the 1.1, but I have to say I am no expert on the hatchback models since this website and forum is really dedicated to 206cc owners.

However you shouldn't go far wrong with 32psi in the fronts and 30 psi in the rears. Our 1.6 206cc generally runs at 35psi all round (my choice).

As a matter of interest, what make tyres do you have, are they all the same, and are they all worn equally?

[addlepad]

Hi, the tyres (175 65 R14) were on the car when we got it. Are these non standard for a 206 2 door?. Front tyres are equally worn, but pressures were 25 psi, so before your reply came in I inflated these to 34psi and swopped front to back tryes (34 psi all round) & it's much better now!. Does feel very light on the steering tho.. Tyres are a budget "Mohawk" Looking to get two new tyres tomorrow.

[Capncol]

It will feel light with overinflated tyres. There should be a sticker on the o/s B post giving correct tyre pressures

[GrandadMonkey]

I used Mohawks once, a long time ago. I never used them again.

Use this to find what your tyre size should be and what pressure:

http://www.tyresafe.org/tyre-safety/tyre-pressure-check

Finally, if you are fitting just 2 brand new tyres be careful. If you fit them to the front the chances are you'll get heavy over-steer. I believe the present day thinking is that it would be better to fit just a new pair on the back. I would personally recommend that you buy 4 new ones and get a decent make such as Continentals. That's what we have on our 206cc and the handling is entirely predictable and safe. However, I don't know how your budget is.

[addlepad]

Thanks for the advice and the link. budget is tight but I want a safe car so I will see what can be done.
I have used continentals before on other cars and have had good results.

Cheers, addlepad