Power steering is heavy on Astra van?

the power steering is heavy on astra van 1.7 dti 2001, the battery light is on at all times.

kevin
February 2009

check your alternator charge voltage as if this drops bellow 13.5v power steering will shut down

billyboy
July 2008

The power steering on this model has an electrically powered hydraullic pump. A faulty alternator can allow electric power to drop low with low engine speeds and this results in no power to the electric pump. Check voltage with a multimeter at the battery if you are able to, to determine if its low, Do this with engine running on idle and be suspicious of anything lower than 'about' 13volts.

Simannjo
July 2008