power steering sensor failed

[bertimbo]

Hi
My 2005 1.4 multispace has been misbehaving since my last post, a few years ago. It has 73000 miles on it and has suffered probably most of the common failures that these useful vehicles have. Not sure if I should have kept repairing it, but I have and I'm still happy.

The head gasket went - oil leak from the front lhs of head, and oily water
The rear suspension torsion bar failed, I had a new axle fitted.

The reason it is in the garage now is that I heard a pop when parking, and then smoke came out of the bonnet. I thought it was going up in flames. Pleased to say it was all show, but the floor was covered in red juice. When I looked at the engine, there was power steering fluid dripping down the rear of the block and onto the exhaust. After a recovery back to the garage I have been told its the pressure sensor that has failed. I am so relieved as I was thinking steering rack. Easy fix and not too pricey.

Since posting this I have discovered that a symptom of a failing sensor is erratic idle speed. I have been having intermittent high revs when going into car park spaces for a while and have just lived with it, lesson learned, do not dismiss anything.

So, if you have a few miles on yours, it may be worth having a look at this sensor, and if its leaking, or you are changing the fluid, maybe change it. Saves making a mess !

Cheers
Tim