Help!power Steering Malfunction!

[pionirx]

I'm having difficulties with the power steering. It works properly when I'm turning the steering wheel to the right, goes light and can move it with a finger.However, when it comes to turning the steering wheel to the left, the steering wheel is hard to move and it goes very slowly with extra push of my hands...Something's blocking or jamming its way to the left. Have checked the fluid and the level is right, have also checked for leaking, there isn't any...the hoses work, they move about slightly, so I think the pump is doing its job...Also, haven't been doing excessive twists or turns of the steering wheel on road or when parking...

???

and on the photos, another question:Where does this fit?

???

[Stupink]

The connector looks possibly like your low oil level warning sensor wire. theres a block ont he front of the sump with a wire coming out. is that connected to anything?
You don't say which engine you have, and im assuming they all have the level thing.

as for power steering, it sounds like the rack has failed. turning it the hard way, is it any different with the engine on/off? or have you lost all pas assistance?

[pionirx]

the engine is SOHC, c20ne, 115hp etc...as for the connector, just couldn't find where it would fit, the length of the connector wire reaches the surrounding area yet no sign of any compatible socket...the steering with the engine off is harder, when engine is on, the steering is somewhat easier but still causes extra push...
if the rack has failed what does it mean? loose bearings, jammed hose, broken metal element...is it catastrophic or a light setting of the rack???

???

...off to the garage...be back in a while....

[pionirx]

checked the track rod end balljoints, nothing damaged, no bents...suspension balljoints appear functional and in place...

[Stupink]

It will almost certainly be either the pas pressure pipe feeding the right hand side of the rack blocked or the rack itself.

To rule out any physical issues, jack the front of the car up and turn the steering lock to lock to feel for any stiffness etc. do it with the engine on and off.

[pionirx]

ok.