weird noise while turning wheel

[phastalon]

okay, i've got an "errrrrrrrrr" whenever i turn my steering wheel. it doesn't matter if i'm moving or sitting still. it's starting to get louder and it's also starting to do it whenever i am going straight.
any suggestions??
possibly a cv joint??

 

[93laserR]

have you checked your power steering?
~Joker

 

[GTM]

Originally posted by phastalon
okay, i've got an "errrrrrrrrr" whenever i turn my steering wheel. it doesn't matter if i'm moving or sitting still. it's starting to get louder and it's also starting to do it whenever i am going straight.
any suggestions??
possibly a cv joint??

CV joints don't usually make the sound described. More a clunk or click closely related to wheel rpm or (fractional)

Have you checked the Power Steering fluid level??? Was the car recently serviced? It is common practice to substitute ATF for power steering fluid (with some makers approval I might add). They do warn you that the pump and or steering unit may become noisy though say it's not harmful. The problem is what ATF is acceptable for some are good for bronze parts, others for certain steels and others for seals.

This could be as simple as using a basting bulb and removing the oil and replacing with P/S fluid, maybe even draining the system. It could also be a sign of impending doom for the power steering or rack and pinion unit. Usually in straight ahead wheel position the pump isn't doing anything but circulating fluid to the rack and back through a bypass port. Whipping the wheel 90 degrees of center will put a load in the system and can howl, growl, and groan. There are pop off valves in both units which can set up a sympathetic opening and closing when each is trying to protect the other.

Do check tire pressure, weather has turned cold thus less pressure and more turning friction.

Keep us posted, enquiring minds want to know. Since noises / sounds are so subjective might be best if you had a professional take a listen.

Cheers,
GTM

 

[phastalon]

thanks guys, i'll check the power steering fluid first thing in the morning.
the last time the car was worked on was when the ignition system was replaced, i haven't checked the p/s fluid in quite sometime. thanks again for the insight. i'll certainly keep you updated!

thanks again,
Brad

 

[GTM]

Originally posted by phastalon
thanks guys, i'll check the power steering fluid first thing in the morning.
...
i haven't checked the p/s fluid in quite sometime. thanks again for the insight. i'll certainly keep you updated! thanks again,
Brad

You bet, nothing like knowing knowing a simple fix solves a problem. When people do searches and see a logical conclusion they may have their problem solved before they ever need to ask a question.

Nothing like having a customer describe a noise which gets written down on a repair order. Mechanic takes if for a spin and never hears the noise and ships the car. Two days later customer is back in with a bit of edge on their voice, again written up and same thing. Third time should never happen for someone needed to take a ride with the customer before they picked it up. Most of us have heard squeeling belts when we first start the car, but it dissapeaars in a couple mins. We know it's the Alt belt, P/S etc. as the oil warms, battery gets it's quick charge. Let the customer drive for that's when it was happening, no need to play hero here.

Cheers,
GTM

 

[phastalon]

well, i checked p/s fluid and the dipstick had no fluid on it so i filled it up and everything seems to be fine now. thanks again guys for the help, i don't know why i didn't think of this to begin with.

any ideas as to how it would get so low. i know the obvious answer is that it's leaking, but are there any places in particular i need to check. i haven't noticed anything on the ground except for a small oil leak (which is coming from the oil line to the turbo).

thanks again,
Brad

 

[GTM]

Originally posted by phastalon
well, i checked p/s fluid and the dipstick had no fluid on it so i filled it up and everything seems to be fine now. thanks again guys for the help, i don't know why i didn't think of this to begin with.
................
Don't quit your day job.
................

any ideas as to how it would get so low. i know the obvious answer is that it's leaking, but are there any places in particular i need to check. i haven't noticed anything on the ground
...
Brad

The oil can't evaporate, check the ends of the P/S rack boots for oil stains, check all the hoses and pipes. If you got too much crud down there go to the DIY car wash and clean those areas, stay away from electrical parts, cover them with towels or plastic bags. Watch over the next couple of weeks. It's never a good thing to let a PS pump to run dry for it could mean a replacment.

Cheers,
GTM

 

[dsmfreak21]

I had the same exact problem and i got it checked out and turned out to be the control arm...