2003 VW Polo power steering fails NCT

Dan_H13

I've now failed the NCT for my polo three times, the first fail was absolutely fair. Numerous issues and all were looked at.

The second fail was only for power steering, the steering was heavy and they believed the pump was broken. Reconditioned pump went in for the second test but alright I'll have it looked at. A short circuit was found in the wiring for the power steering which was destroying the pump (according to my mechanic). Another reconditioned pump fitted and wiring checked, car felt fine if anything a little resistance when stationery but I felt like that was normal.

Clearly not though because it failed the NCT for a third time same issue again, the testers said the power steering felt identical to last time. The only element that hasn't been changed was the steering rack and that was only done because it was felt it wouldn't have helped. But it's still giving me issues.

I'm planning to appeal because my mechanic is adamant that the power steering works as it should and the fail is unfair. Should a 2003 polo have some resistance when it's stationery? Once it's above 5 kph the car is no problem, steering is as light as a feather, it's just slightly more work when it's stationery.

colm_mcm

Hard to know without experiencing it, but I’d get a second opinion from another mechanic.
The fact that you thought the steering was fine in the first place would suggest you’re so used to your own car that you don’t know what it should be like.