Steering screaming at me when I turn.

[Sorrymatev8]

My steering apperas to be whining louder and louder when I steer to either the left or the right. It never used to. It does only do it when I'm stationary. I have checked the fluid level and all seems ok. My mechanic has had a look and says its nothing to worry about.

Any thoughts gratefully received.

[tvrbob]

This is normally low level in the PS header pot. I would suggest changing the fluid as it hydroscopic like brake fluid and so degrades in use.

[that daddy]

tvrbob said:

This is normally low level in the PS header pot. I would suggest changing the fluid as it hydroscopic like brake fluid and so degrades in use.

Hydroscopic means it absorbs moisture,you sure.

[wasted years]

Agree that it sounds like the PS fluid is low. Checks for leaks, might just need replacing.

[tvrbob]

that daddy said:

Hydroscopic means it absorbs moisture,you sure.

Yes, that's why hydraulic fluid needs changing periodically. The brake fade that occurs when you haven't replaced your brake fluid at the required period is directly related to the moisture content of the brake fluid.

Brake fluid performance charts show boiling point versus water content.

[JonRB]

Sorrymatev8 said:

My steering apperas to be whining louder and louder when I steer to either the left or the right.

I get that too, but it's usually the wife and is directly proportional to cornering speeds.


a) Yes, I know it's an obvious gag
b) Yes, I know it's been used today already in the Audi clutch thread.

[tahiti450]

Sorrymatev8 said:

My steering apperas to be whining louder and louder when I steer to either the left or the right. It never used to. It does only do it when I'm stationary. I have checked the fluid level and all seems ok. My mechanic has had a look and says its nothing to worry about.

Any thoughts gratefully received.

It could be low fluid - but then you would expect to get a buzzing / whining noise whenever the sterring is turned - due to aerated fluid passing through the pump. You also need to check that the ancillary belt isn't slipping, if its loose it will squeal especially when the PAS pump has to work hard such as when at maneouvering speeds or stationary (not that you should be turning the wheels when stationary ideally). If yours is a serpentine engine then the single poly vee belt has an automatic tensioner which (unlesss faulty) usually prevents a slack belt but you can still get problems if the belt is glazed or contaminated, if its a pre-serp you need to check the belt tension and ensure that its properly adjusted. PAS systems may give a slight hissing sound in normal use but if its any more than that then I dont rate your "mechanic" much!

Edited by tahiti450 on Thursday 29th March 23:32

[whiplash]

How easy is it to remove existing power steering fluid?

Is there an equivalent to the sump plug on the header pot?

I know most of you are thinking this guy must be joking but I’m one of those people that can diagnose a problem with the TVR but have no hands on skills to fix it.

[spend]

JonRB said:

Sorrymatev8 said:

My steering apperas to be whining louder and louder when I steer to either the left or the right.

I get that too, but it's usually the wife and is directly proportional to cornering speeds.


a) Yes, I know it's an obvious gag
b) Yes, I know it's been used today already in the Audi clutch thread.

You have already mentioned the solution, did you need any further suggestions (cutting tongue out is frowned upon these days)

Dave