stupid question about steering

[loftlex]

i have owned many many cars in my time, but this 53 plate 206 we have just bought is a little bit weird..

we have a 53 206 1.4 hdi

The only fault we have got is the steering,,
well that and,,
The clutch is high compared to our astra, but its about the same as my old 306,, they have auto adjusting clutches dont they? so not too bothered about that

Anyway,, back to the steering,, when you turn the car over the steering is very responsive as light as a feather,, but after driving it for a good few miles the steering seems to get heavy,, and when you get to your destination get out, do your shopping or whatever,, get back to the car, the steering is responsive again,, then it starts to get heavy.. and so on......

This is starting to worry my mrs, i have checked the power steering fluid, and it looks like its full of that red stop leak stuff,,

i have booked it in with a garage for a full service and they are going to have a look at it for me,, but in the mean time has anyone on here ever had the same problem so i can point the mechanic in the right direction or buy a replacement part,, i found a power steering pump on ebay for my model for £30ish.

any way has anyone got any ideas?

[Capncol]

The fluid is supposed to be red.
It may be that it's dirty and could do with a flush and new fluid.

You have 2 main component to the PAS system. The pump and the rack. Either could be causing the problem, which is why I suggest a flush as it's the easiest and cheapest thing to try first.