Hi All. Not overly knowledgable when it comes to power steering (never really touched a PS setup before) I have noticed over the past few weeks that when I am steering the rack/pump seems to be giving a groaning noise. Its holding its fluid (topped it up when I got the car a month back and level hasn't dropped since.) Does anyone know what could be causing this and how to fix it? (pictures would be excellent if anyone has any of the culprit part) Thanks Alot
Groaning noises are sometimes caused by the pump dying or low oil pressure / not enough oil. As you stated you're keeping the level up to it, so it could just be a case of it getting old. How old is the pump in it?
I am not 100% on the history of the car (I have only had it a month or so) Previous owner (my father in law so I doubt he would lie to me) told me the engine had been rebuild just over 120,000k ago but not sure if that included things like P/S pump or A/C compressor etc
Rebuild generaly wouldnt include a PS pump or AC comp. But its really what the person that owned the thing wanted to rebulid, not really a rule on what gets done and what dosent get done.
Theres a bush where the steering column shaft passes through the firewall into the cabin,and when this bush dries out ,it makes this horrible moaning,groaning sound when the steering wheel is turned.My car was doing it really badly when I first got it,I was told I needed new P/S pump,new rack etc,then I read on here about this noise,the dry bush and the WD 40 trick,I sprayed WD 40 on it,and it instantly fixed the noise,completely gone,and now 2 years later,its still hasnt returned.I found that its easiest to spray upwards into the area from under the car.Ive since fixed this problem on a few friends VS's ,they had been told similar things like needing a new P/S pump etc.They were very happy to say the least to find out how easily this annoying problem can be fixed...
Fair enough. Second hand pumps usually run in anywhere between $30-$80 depending on where you go and if they like to chuck obscene prices on them. But I suggest you do this first. If this doesn't work, ring around your local wreckers and see if they have any for a decent price.
Beat me to it Yeah the Bush is generally the source of the groaning. The pump groan/giving way is usually accompanied by some feedback into the steering wheel, rather than just a groaning noise.
Thanks guys That sounds more likely to be the culprit The car was sitting for 3 years before I got it so the bush is probably very dry. Will spray some WD40 tonight and let you know how it goes
I'd put my money on the pump. The vanes wear and make a noise when it's under load. Does it make a noise when just idling and not moving the steering wheel?
nope its only when turning the wheel.....and the noise doesn't seem to be coming from as far as the engine bay. Sounds more like from the firewall/closer to my feet...which is why I am thinking more and more that it is the bush that lots have mentioned
It might not hurt to replace the fluid in the power steering as well especially if it has turned a dark red.
