Baffling noise, can't figure out what it is.
Discussion
So whilst driving along, I'm getting this sporadic whining sound from what I presume is coming from the direction of the front wheels. It comes on and off and is starting to drive me mad particularly as I spend so much time behind the wheel. What seems to aggravate it is taking a left corner (particularly up hill) It's an on or off noise at it's own choosing...Sounds like one of those horrible dental drills.
I'm doubtful that it's a wheel bearing as I'd expect a lot more resonance and vibration. I've ruled out the clutch (seems to be irrespective of what gear I'm in or coasting) I've checked the power steering fluid (I believe it shares the same reservoir as the brake fluid and all looks fine. No issue turning the wheel. The brakes aren't binding.
It's particularly troublesome as it's not something that's terribly easy to reproduce. If I took it to a mechanic and said my van makes a weird noise I'd get some blank stares and probably an expensive bill to check fault codes and come back okay.
It's an NV200. Drives perfectly fine otherwise probably hence why I haven't bothered getting it sorted. Would rather just get to the bottom of this though. Any ideas/thoughts?
I'm doubtful that it's a wheel bearing as I'd expect a lot more resonance and vibration. I've ruled out the clutch (seems to be irrespective of what gear I'm in or coasting) I've checked the power steering fluid (I believe it shares the same reservoir as the brake fluid and all looks fine. No issue turning the wheel. The brakes aren't binding.
It's particularly troublesome as it's not something that's terribly easy to reproduce. If I took it to a mechanic and said my van makes a weird noise I'd get some blank stares and probably an expensive bill to check fault codes and come back okay.
It's an NV200. Drives perfectly fine otherwise probably hence why I haven't bothered getting it sorted. Would rather just get to the bottom of this though. Any ideas/thoughts?
Edited by triangularmonkey on Sunday 8th March 18:48
I`m going to assume here the van is a 1.5DCi and not EV.
The power steering system is electric, not hydraulic, so has no belts, pumps or fluid.
A worn wheel bearing usually protests when you turn the steering away from it which loads up the bearing. A noise turning right would tend to indicate a left side bearing.
I would jack up the front and spin the wheels, a worn bearing would usually make a noise and/or feel rough. Also push and pull the wheels at 3 / 9 o`clock and 6 / 12 to test for any play in the bearings. This should also show up a worn lower ball joint. My NV200 goes through those every couple of years.
Whilst jacked up check the strut mounts / springs / track rod ends / anti roll bar links etc for any signs of wear.
Might be worth stripping and cleaning the front brakes, could be a sticky slide pin on the caliper.
NV200s also suffer with seized rear wheel cylinders in the rear drums which rapidly wear out the rear shoes, mine has done that twice in 118k miles.
Has it ever had a new timing belt, water pump and/or aux belt and tensioners? Could be a dry bearing in there somewhere.
HTH. H67.
The power steering system is electric, not hydraulic, so has no belts, pumps or fluid.
A worn wheel bearing usually protests when you turn the steering away from it which loads up the bearing. A noise turning right would tend to indicate a left side bearing.
I would jack up the front and spin the wheels, a worn bearing would usually make a noise and/or feel rough. Also push and pull the wheels at 3 / 9 o`clock and 6 / 12 to test for any play in the bearings. This should also show up a worn lower ball joint. My NV200 goes through those every couple of years.
Whilst jacked up check the strut mounts / springs / track rod ends / anti roll bar links etc for any signs of wear.
Might be worth stripping and cleaning the front brakes, could be a sticky slide pin on the caliper.
NV200s also suffer with seized rear wheel cylinders in the rear drums which rapidly wear out the rear shoes, mine has done that twice in 118k miles.
Has it ever had a new timing belt, water pump and/or aux belt and tensioners? Could be a dry bearing in there somewhere.
HTH. H67.
Thank you, I'll run through and see where I get with those suggestions. Just out of interest, seeing as you've got one too (mines a 2012) have you had any issues with leaky or slightly split air intake pipes? Mines always had a bit of a vacuum leak, doesn't bother me much but when accelerating you can hear a bit of a sound. Could probably fix with duct tape. Cracking little van otherwise.
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