V8V Steering rack whine

[vernierMike]

Hi all

I have a distinct whine from the steering rack when turning the steering wheel at all. When the car is first started it's quiet, then getting more audible as the car warms up. After a few minute's it's very audible in the cabin when slightly turning the wheel, actually when not too. It's got that mid-frequency vibey-groaning-whine when turned from the straight ahead, even a bit. Had the bonnet open and it does seem to be coming directly from the assisted rack assembly at the end of the steering column (well, where else would it be?) but it's definitely not the pump. The top hose on the ATF tank has a constant vibration when I touch it.

Can anyone please help with the following?

Could it be anything other than a worn rack? eg any sort of valve or something easy like that!?

A new rack is £2k, a reconditioned one about £800 both plus fitting (I'm guessing some parts on top of the recon fee). Any experience of a recon rack?

Is it the same as a DB9 rack - possibly from parts postings, or is it the same as any Jaguar (I think not but...?)

How long with it last before it gives up the ghost in its current state? The noise has just started but does that mean imminent demise or 'start looking for a replacement part?'

Cheers

[S1-NOS]

Going back to basics, is there enough fluid in the system ?

[vernierMike]

Yes, checked that. But I have done a bit more exploring; the whine changes pitch when I increase revs, even though the sounds really seems to be coming directly from the rack. Weird.

So that sounds like the pump if I am stationary and that happens?

I've read threads that say a flush of PSA might be worth try, is that an easy job?

[S1-NOS]

The pump is usually noisy if the fluid is low or there's air in the system - but in both cases there's probably a leak somewhere.

I found this (DB9 but probably very similar) if it helps: https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/aston-martin/3...

[phumy]

vernierMike said:

Yes, checked that. But I have done a bit more exploring; the whine changes pitch when I increase revs, even though the sounds really seems to be coming directly from the rack. Weird.

So that sounds like the pump if I am stationary and that happens?

I've read threads that say a flush of PSA might be worth try, is that an easy job?

If it changes pitch during an increase in revs then its possibly due to an increase in flow of the steering fluid (not necessarily a pump problem) or maybe the noise is caused by a valve vibrating or a flow restictor in the system.

[vernierMike]

Sorry, I should have been clearer. When I say yes, I've checked it, I mean the level is fine!!! No leaks visible and the level is between the steps on the dipstick.

[Alpine1M]

When what the last time the fluid was changed? Is it still ATF (assuming an early MY), or has it been converted to Pentosin CHF 11S? If converted, was the additive used to quiet the rack added (Lubrizol)?

There was a discussion on the topic of converting to 11S on the 6speed forum, including a link to the related Aston service bulletin:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/attachment.php...

[vernierMike]

Thanks all.

So I took the car over to Chiltern Aston, who have serviced it rather well in the past.

The tech said that the fluid was fine, topped up and in good condition and showing no signs or odour of mechanical damage or burning.

He said it was the pump being noisy but it's within normal operating limits, which I found surprising but particularly as he was doing himself out of a profitable replacement have absolutely no reason to doubt him! That it had changed recently did not seem to phase him. He said yes, it could be replaced but it may be as noisy after the event. I was assured that it was not about to fail and keep an eye/ear on it.

I must say I didn't think our cars were particularly noisy for steering, and I suppose it's because it's changed recently and seemed to be coming from the rack was of concern.

But I feel better and do not (yet, at least) need to fork out a packet.

[macdeb]

^^^^ Hi Mike, Apologies in advance but that may be placebo if I may say. It shouldn't 'whine'. I'd go for previous posters about air in system/change fluid etc or even fault at pump. It may well go on for many years operating fine. Sorry, just being honest and trying to help in some small way. No other cars PS systems whine. Good luck mate.

[vernierMike]

macdeb said:

^^^^ Hi Mike, Apologies in advance but that may be placebo if I may say. It shouldn't 'whine'. I'd go for previous posters about air in system/change fluid etc or even fault at pump. It may well go on for many years operating fine. Sorry, just being honest and trying to help in some small way. No other cars PS systems whine. Good luck mate.

Thanks macdeb, you may well be right but it's odd if so - why would he say it was ok?

I too think it shouldn't really whine as much it does particularly as the noise has recently changed. I am more confident that at least it isn't too urgent and about to fail. The fluid is actually ok and in good nick and I've done the bleeding procedure per the manual too.

I do think it's the pump wearing, but the chap said he'd only replaced two in many years, and one was under warranty and made no difference to the noise. My plan, I think, is when I have some off-the-road time is to take the pump off - not sure how to do so as the pump is tucked under the left hand head and valve gear, any tips welcome - and send it off to a power steering refurbisher that I am in contact with. They can at least check over tolerances etc and confirm it's ok, refurb or say it's junk. Then re-assemble and see if it's made a difference. It'll be a lot cheaper than getting a new one fitted and I am in control!

[macdeb]

vernierMike said:

macdeb said:

^^^^ Hi Mike, Apologies in advance but that may be placebo if I may say. It shouldn't 'whine'. I'd go for previous posters about air in system/change fluid etc or even fault at pump. It may well go on for many years operating fine. Sorry, just being honest and trying to help in some small way. No other cars PS systems whine. Good luck mate.

Thanks macdeb, you may well be right but it's odd if so - why would he say it was ok?

I too think it shouldn't really whine as much it does particularly as the noise has recently changed. I am more confident that at least it isn't too urgent and about to fail. The fluid is actually ok and in good nick and I've done the bleeding procedure per the manual too.

I do think it's the pump wearing, but the chap said he'd only replaced two in many years, and one was under warranty and made no difference to the noise. My plan, I think, is when I have some off-the-road time is to take the pump off - not sure how to do so as the pump is tucked under the left hand head and valve gear, any tips welcome - and send it off to a power steering refurbisher that I am in contact with. They can at least check over tolerances etc and confirm it's ok, refurb or say it's junk. Then re-assemble and see if it's made a difference. It'll be a lot cheaper than getting a new one fitted and I am in control!

Hi Mike, I shouldn't think it will fail overnight, but it's not right and I feel your frustration. But if you're like me it will be the first thing you listen for when you are in the car and will be a worm in your head, as It's right or not right. As to why he said what he did? Only he can answer that. There are good technicians and some well,,,, not so good at all. Good luck mate and keep us posted as I'm sure others would like to hear the outcome.

[Jon39]

Probably not relevant, but at least one of my cars (not the AM) has always made a whining sound, but only when at full lock.
Would that be because the power steering pump works harder at full lock?