Steering problems?

[cladiges]

Hi guys
This is my first post, so any insight on my probem would be much apreciated.

I had the steering rack replaced on my 1996 VS commodore. its done prob bout 10,000km since fitting. My problem is that on fulll lock it seem to grind a little. mostly when it cold in the morning. could this be the power steering pump going???

Thanks very much

 

[Demons1964]

Can you be a bit more descriptive with the sound? Is it a grinding like gears gnashing together or a groaning? And where exactly is the noise coming from? I think I know what the problem is (rubber grommett on the steering column) but I just need you to clarify the noise.

 

[cladiges]

tis a groaning noise. and it sounds like it coming from the base of the streeing colum. how would i go about fixing it? if thats the case?

 

[Demons1964]

Have a look in the engine bay where the steering column shaft exits the firewall. You'll see a rubber grommet on the shaft. It's the friction between that dry grommit and the shaft rotating beneath it that gives you that groaning noise. You can use silicon spray as a temporary measure but you'll have to repeat it every few months (or less). Longer term option is to get some grease in there with a screwdriver (or similar tool) and rotate the wheel a few times to get it all moved about nicely. You may need to put the front of the car on stands to get access underneath.

Mark.

 

[cladiges]

ok. Ill have a look tomorrow. Thanks Heaps

 

[Don Sutton]

1] If the steering wheel is held at lock and it groans it is the pump.
2] If it groans while turning the wheel it could be either the column dust seal or the pump.
If the symptoms are as in 2 then attack the grommet first and if that don't work rob the kids piggy banks for a pump.