Notchy power steering

[AE86less]

Vehicle is my new van (YM30?) 1.8 Petrol Liteace with Power steering.

The problem came on very fast and out of the blue. Basically the steering feels as though it's getting erratic 'bursts' of assistance, so from lock to lock it would jerk easy to hard 4-5 times.

I've tensioned the belt and checked the fluid (right level but fairly dirty) but I don't know enough about the system to diagnose more. I'm worried about driving it and can't afford to have it off the road for long as it's my daily.

Any ideas appreciated.

[UTERUS]

That is rather bizzare, sounds like the pump seals are trying to die.

Is there any fluid leaking from the bottom of the pump?

[Dell'Orto]

Pump is possibly had it, or maybe has an air lock somehow??

[fangsport]

change the fluid , would be a good place to start if everything is dry

[edwagon]

Check out the angle box which takes the steering back to the rack - its under the floor at the bottom of the column.
They get notchy - I've seen it on a couple of Hiaces.

Also, not so likely if it came on for no reason, but check that the UJ bolts in the steering system are tight, and also are tightened so that they are not putting tension on the rack of angle box - this will def cause the notchy feeling you describe.

Is the notchiness only with the engine running? (PS)
Or all the time (Something Mechanical in the steering)