Ford Galaxy Mk3 and Ford Smax Power steering Faults.

Ford Galaxy Mk3 and Ford Smax models often have power steering problems. It can start with a loss of assistance on either one side or both sides. this is a manufacturing fault with the steering rack, it can lead to the piston inside of the rack starting to disintegrate and lose internal pressure. This can lead to the reservoir filter becoming blocked and this, in turn, starves the pump of fluid and can lead to pump noise or failure.

In order to solve these issues the rack and reservoir bottle must be replaced first, the system must be flushed and then run to establish whether the pump will also require replacement. 

Replacing the pump before replacing the rack and reservoir bottle is not recommended as this can lead to the new pump failing again.