Power steering noise

[The Surveyor]

Back in the land of TVR ownership after buying a 1997 Chimaera on Friday evening. Took it out with the North East lot on Sunday for it's first run, and it performed almost perfectly.

Two little issues came up, being noise from the power steering, and noise from the exhaust manifold. The exhaust issue should be quite easy (famous last words!) but have little knowledge of the power steering side of things.

There is basically a hissing noise from the system when the wheel is turned, either on the move or whilst parking. Firstly is this normal?, and if not does it mean a new rack, pump, or could it just be a defective seal/hose. Is the system easily refurbished if it is just a seal (there was a very small fluid patch on the garage floor Sunday morning).

I will do a little more investigating on the car and do a seach through 'the bible', but does anybody have any experience of these systems.

many thanks

Paul

[shpub]

Check the PAS fluid level.

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

[The Surveyor]

Thanks steve.

I should have done that anyway shouldn't I?

Paul

[ian8542]

The noise from the exhaust manifold is usually the gasket blowing. Ticking noise. When it gets really bad
it sounds like the hydraulic lifters are rattling.

[The Surveyor]

Thats just the sound i could hear.

It may be cam' related (53k miles) but a replacement gasket on the manifold must be the first point of call. will have a close listen next time i fire it up. i have read that it is best to use a tube pointed at the potential problem areas to cut out the surrounding noise, is this correct, and is it safe?

Thanks

Paul