Power steering problem

[Anthony]

After an engine rebuild I've just put power steering fluid in the pump to find a problem. With the engine off, the wheels turn freely, although heavy of course. With the engine running, if I even slightly touch the steering wheel it violently turns and vibrates involuntarily and manically and if I use force to stop it turning it stalls the engine.
I don't understand what is going on.
Any ideas please guys?

[driver]

sounds like you need to balance your steering rack. refer to your manual.
I had this after rebuilding my steering rack when i converted from L/H D to R/H D.

[42south]

Hi
whilst you are on it, search the S3 forum for "pressure reducing washer". This mod is one of the best, and simplest, you can do for your S3. No more vague steering in the corners.
Cheers
Mark

[Anthony]

I found the answer to the problem and I'm embarrassed to say (but nevertheless honest) that two of the small diameter pipes were in the wrong ports in the pinion housing. They were swapped around.
That's the problem when you strip a car and then put it back together 8yrs later. You can't remember what you did or why you did it.
Despite the embarrassment I've decided to post this as a lesson to all of us.

[driver]

we have all done something like that .
its the joy of fixing old cars

[baganz.sven@web.de]

Hi,

don't apologize, I always take a lot of pictures and then, when it comes to assembly again, just the pic I need is not there.
Even one week after I have taken some things apart I can't exactly remember how it should be.

Don't give up

Sven