I think that's the rack gone more than the pump.

I'd put up with it until you get rid

Dilemma, though. Do I tell the Alfa garage (that I'm part-exing it with) about the problem, or do I just hand it over and pretend it's a-okay? I wasn't brought up to be doing things like that, but the thought of paying near £300 to fix this just as I'm getting rid of the car kills me a little inside. The only other option is to tell the Alfa garage that there's a fault and to drop the part-ex price to accomodate the work required.

Throw the keys and walk, say nowt

Just to give you guys an update on my power steering issues - As I'm getting rid of the car this month I eventually decided to go for the cheapest option, and that was to simply change the fluid. Ford wanted £70 for this job. I can't believe that as it's such an easy job - a four year old could have done it!

Well so far so good. The power steering isn't making a noise anymore and the steering itself is no longer heavy. For the sake of buying two bottles of power steering fluid that cost £8 all-in, I'm very happy.

So, my advice is - If you ever have the same problem, go for the cheapest option first, and if that doesn't work, get the pump changed.