Squeak when turning steering wheel

[w1lde1]

Hi

When the car is cold I hear a squeak when turning the steering wheel, keen to get your thoughts on what this could be please?

Assumed power steering needs toping up but after reading topics on here concerned it could be something worse....


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[CatmanV2]

Hi

When the car is cold I hear a squeak when turning the steering wheel, keen to get your thoughts on what this could be please?

Assumed power steering needs toping up but after reading topics on here concerned it could be something worse....


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Could be something as simple as the auxiliary drive belt slipping under additional load. Is the squeak engine speed related?

C

 

[spkennyuk]

Either a belt slipping as Mr C said or if the power steering fluid does need topping up then turn the steering wheel lock to lock a few times to purge the system of any air bubbles.

First port of call would be to have somebody start the car with the bonnet up from cold while your looking into the engine bay. Have them turn the steering wheel and you should be able to tell if its the auxiliary belt slipping as the sound will be much clearer and you should be able to pinpoint the sound. The belt is more likely to slip as your reach the end of the steering rack travel as the belt comes under more load.

 

[safrane]

Are you talking about belt squeal or just a slight squeak. If its the latter it could just be the rubber components of the steering rack gaiters and just needs a spray of silicone lubricant.

 

[w1lde1]

Slight squeak don't believe it's the belt but will check. Strange thing is that I don't notice the noise when out and about. Steering is also a little stiff but not major


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[w1lde1]

Power steering fluid seems to be low end so may look to top up.

Any recommendations on fluid please?


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[Gp79]

It is just ATF (auto box fluid), ideally the same spec as what is in there, it will be in the owners manual

 

[conaero]

Recon it will be the Aux belt, maybe the tensioner has lost its spring?

 

[MAF260]

Check your PAS fluid with the engine switched off to get the proper level, probably just needs topping up.

 

[davy83]

yes sounds like fluid in steering pump is low especially if steering is stiff. if you don't mind spanners its worth checking the hydraulic couplings on the rack they are surface seals and if they come loose they just weep fluid, and can be fixed by either just tightening them or stripping and cleaning and replacing seals, and tightening them. Both unions on my car were loose and i lost fluid until i found this problem, nothing since and that was 8 years ago. not too hard to see them once you are under the car.