Powersteering moaning

[Yanayaya]

Had the ro out over the weekend no problems to speak of but towards the end of yesterday whilst reverse parking I noticed I'm getting a lot of groaning from the power steering and I don't mean when it's on full lock I mean just turning the wheel it also feels like it's shuddering a lot too. This morning when I started the car to go to work there was a strange noise coming from the engine which sounded like a low pitch growl and now no matter what I do there is a groan from the power steering whenever you turn the wheel in any direction.

I'm writing this at work so I've had no time at all to investigate anything or check fluid levels (which it may well be) I'm just trying to get an idea of things to look for should this not be a simple fix such as fluid top up.

[jonnM]

Sounds like you're low on fluid.

[VinceM]

jonnM said:

Sounds like you're low on fluid.

Yes this. If you're low on fluid you might want to check for leaks - rack, pump, cooler or pipe to cooler are the usual culprits.

You need a PAS fluid that is Dexron III or higher.

[alfienoakes]

Mine started doing this after I changed the power steering cooler. After 100k the pump didn't take kindly to being bled, and it started shuddering at parking speeds. I've put a new pump and quick rack on now, which fixed it, but I fitted them at the same time so can't put it down to an individual part.
Hopefully yours just needs topping up

I'm still not sure about the quick rack, it's less turns lock to lock, and a bit heavier when you start to turn it, but it sometimes feels vague at speed, even with the same tracking settings.
After 10 years of the standard rack it might take some getting used to !

[Yanayaya]

Got home and had a look, power steering reservoir empty. I am going to go out on a limb and say I have a leak. Onward with the journey of discovery this weekend then. Joy!

[007 VXR]

alfienoakes said:

Mine started doing this after I changed the power steering cooler. After 100k the pump didn't take kindly to being bled, and it started shuddering at parking speeds. I've put a new pump and quick rack on now, which fixed it, but I fitted them at the same time so can't put it down to an individual part.
Hopefully yours just needs topping up

I'm still not sure about the quick rack, it's less turns lock to lock, and a bit heavier when you start to turn it, but it sometimes feels vague at speed, even with the same tracking settings.
After 10 years of the standard rack it might take some getting used to !

love the quick rack, much better once used to it ..

as for vague, what tyres and psi ?

[Behold81]

First check is the PAS cooler. Notorious for rusting out. Remove the bumper and you can easily see it.