Aaarghhhhhhh First Problem!!!! Help please

[Son of Quatto]

Literally went out for a burn this afternoon. Everything fine. Went to pick up my mate an hour ago and noticed a whining noise when i moved the steering. After ten minutes this noise has got a lot worse. There's a whining coming from the rear in the engine compartment. Its especially worse when i change gear and move the steering wheel. When i take the car out of gear it seems to subside. Any help appreciated. Sounds awful.

[m12_nathan]

Steering pump or belt?

[Inflict]

Bizzare. Absolutely Bizzare, mine started suffering this EXACT problem today.

Mine seems to relax on making the terrible whinning if I turn off and wait a moment. Its definitly the power steering somehow, havnt had chance to investigate yet.

[AMG Merc]

A touch of Silicon spray (not WD 40 - although it will work) on the belt should sort it. Happens a lot from cold start in the winter.

[alex s]

Have you checked the PS fluid level?
The steering rack have been known to leak from a seal.
might be worth a check.

[Son of Quatto]

Well just had a look. Not very good on engines but looks like the big compartment with the pink fluid in(passengers side) is pretty low. Would this be the problem?

[Adrian W]

Son of Quatto said:

Well just had a look. Not very good on engines but looks like the big compartment with the pink fluid in(passengers side) is pretty low. Would this be the problem?

No! check the one on the other side above the engine mount.

[Son of Quatto]

Yep looks like the power steering compartment is low. Its about half full and under the min level. Trip to halfords methinks. Does this mean there's a leak? Also the water seems very low. Does this need topping regularly?

[AMG Merc]

Son of Quatto said:

Also the water seems very low. Does this need topping regularly?

Almost never - pressurised system. SUggest you have someon give the pipes and connectors a once over. There is a long pipe from the rad to the engine that can go after a time.

[gizard]

AMG Merc said:

... There is a long pipe from the rad to the engine that can go after a time.

Espically around the front bulkhead area - as the rubber gomit around the hole can perish and then the metal cuts a hole in the pipe - replaced mine with a section of metal tube and two jubilee clips.

[joolski]

At the front of the car is a small radiator used to cool the power stearing fluid. I've found this to be the source of most of the powerstearing fluid leaks I've had.

Might want to give it the once over.....

--Jools

[XLR Motorsport]

I'm glad this one seems a common problem. I just thought these sorts of cars made squeaky noises when you turned the wheel.

Aparently a lot has been tried to sus the sqeaking from one of the belts, but to no avail. It's not bad, in fact the sound goes well with the engine noise

It's in for a service at Mole Valley next week. I'll check the fluid levels and top up what's needed and let them do the rest - after all I'm paying them enough!

[Son of Quatto]

So how high does the water level need to be? Mine's currenly on a hill, will have to move it to a flatbit to see the proper level but it looks low.

[Son of Quatto]

Just been out to car and there is definitely a leak coming from under the front middle bit of the car. The small puddle smells like the power steering fluid.

[alex s]

Son of Quatto said:

Just been out to car and there is definitely a leak coming from under the front middle bit of the car. The small puddle smells like the power steering fluid.

Sounds like the o ring on the steering rack has let go.

[mgbond]

Son of Quatto said:

Just been out to car and there is definitely a leak coming from under the front middle bit of the car. The small puddle smells like the power steering fluid.

If you had not long ago driven the car and had the aircon on then you will get a little puddle.

I'm not doubting your findings, just pointing this out. I have many a time filled up in a garage paid got back to the car and saw a puddle and paniked. later worked out it was the aircon.

Bondy

[Son of Quatto]

Have found there quite abit of dampness on the steering rack bit and the 0-ring junction between the front right wheel. Would a loose 0-ring make it loose all that fluid? Do i need to replace the 0-ring or get it tightend back? any help appreciated for a novice. Is it driveable to a garage lets say 2 miles away.

[alex s]

Son of Quatto said:

Have found there quite abit of dampness on the steering rack bit and the 0-ring junction between the front right wheel. Would a loose 0-ring make it loose all that fluid? Do i need to replace the 0-ring or get it tightend back? any help appreciated for a novice. Is it driveable to a garage lets say 2 miles away.

Remember it is a hydrolic system...therefore quite some pressure, so a failed o ring or split pipe will loose quite a bit under pressure.

Will be ok to drive 2 miles, just top up the tank before you go.

[JimNoble]

Son of Quatto said:

Have found there quite abit of dampness on the steering rack bit and the 0-ring junction between the front right wheel. Would a loose 0-ring make it loose all that fluid? Do i need to replace the 0-ring or get it tightend back? any help appreciated for a novice. Is it driveable to a garage lets say 2 miles away.

Zero top-ups were required in 4 years, so it would almost certainly have to be a leak

If it's at the rack end, at least it's all nice and accessible

Jim

[JimNoble]

Son of Quatto said:

So how high does the water level need to be? Mine's currenly on a hill, will have to move it to a flatbit to see the proper level but it looks low.

Best check the water pipe jubilee clips for tightness. Can't recall having to top it up ever, but do vaguely remember one of the pipes being found slightly drippy at a service.

This is what the levels should look like:



Jim