Steering Noise

[PaulCambio]

After a few months of relatively trouble free enjoyment, something appears to be going wrong again!

My 4200 makes a terrible whining noise when the wheel is turned. It sounds like something rubbing associated with the steering.

Anyone had a similar issue, and know what the cause could be?

Thanks.

 

[dickygrace]

Low power steering fluid.

 

[PaulCambio]

Low power steering fluid.

Thanks Richard. Which is the reservoir to check the level?

 

[D Walker]

Take it to a big car park or open area, do full turns with steering wheel on full lock, so you can discount one side from the other, if it does it both ways it’s common to the steering, if it’s fluid, on full lock as well as a groaning type noise you will also get a judder through the steering wheel...

 

[PaulCambio]

I think I have a fluid leak. Just pulled up in the car and opened the bonnet to see smoke coming from the off side manifold area that smells like burning oil/fluid.

 

[philw696]

I think I have a fluid leak. Just pulled up in the car and opened the bonnet to see smoke coming from the off side manifold area that smells like burning oil/fluid.

That's most likely a Rocker Cover Gasket leak and oil getting on the manifold I'm afraid.

 

[PaulCambio]

That's most likely a Rocker Cover Gasket leak and oil getting on the manifold I'm afraid.

Thanks Phil. Is that a big/expensive repair?

 

[philw696]

Just time really.
Many have done their own on here if your handy and delicate on the spanners.

 

[Gp79]

As Dicky said check the fluid level, the power steering hoses leaking is quite common, they run round the front of the engine to to off side.

Or steering fluid cooler which is visible through the grill.

Don’t run it out of fluid or you’ll damage the pump. Then more $$$

Power steering has ATF which is red so easily identified.

 

[PaulCambio]

As Dicky said check the fluid level, the power steering hoses leaking is quite common, they run round the front of the engine to to off side.

Or steering fluid cooler which is visible through the grill.

Don’t run it out of fluid or you’ll damage the pump. Then more $$$

Power steering has ATF which is red so easily identified.

Thanks. Just checked the fluid. Seems low. Nothing visible on the dipstick.

 

[Vampyrebat]

Could be power steering rad, hose or pump. I had the same about 2 years ago. If it is the pump I have a good spare one

 

[conaero]

Probably leaking out the rad Paul, look through the grill, there is a small rad bolted to the upper front of the rad pack, look at the left side and if its wet and running down the rad, its gone.

None left from the dealer (at sensible money) but I think Marios does a reasonable replacement.

 

[PaulCambio]

Probably leaking out the rad Paul, look through the grill, there is a small rad bolted to the upper front of the rad pack, look at the left side and if its wet and running down the rad, its gone.

None left from the dealer (at sensible money) but I think Marios does a reasonable replacement.

Cheers Matt. Just topped up the reservoir, so will keep an eye out for leaks today.

 

[philw696]

I would seriously consider getting a Motorsport radiator to fit in its place if mine failed.
Through someone like Merlin Motorsport at Castle Combe Race Track for example or Demon Tweeks.

 

[mjheathcote]

Don't understand why there is a radiator for the power steering in the first place.
It is not like a rally car on a forest stage going from lock to lock when it can get a bit warm!

 

[mattjevans]

Does this start with a low level whine when turning the wheel. I swear my GTS never used to make this noise but its started within last couple of months ?

 

[PaulCambio]

Does this start with a low level whine when turning the wheel. I swear my GTS never used to make this noise but its started within last couple of months ?

Turned out it was the power steering fluid. Topped it up, and the noise has disappeared. Got a leak at the front off side of the car, so could be the rad. Will get it on a ramp and check it out. It started as a low whine, but became worse and ended up like a grinding sound.