Odd noise; power steering?

[PobodY]

I've been plagued by an odd noise from the passenger (near) side front wheel. It's hard to describe, but it's creaky and for a long time I thought it was something in the suspension.

I know my shocks etc aren't in the best shape, but I can't find anything loose or obviously broken... so I've put up with it hoping it will either fix its self (unlikely), or get worse (and then I could pin-point it).

However, recently it has occurred to me that it might be something in the power steering rack... it does sound a bit like a hydraulic pump noise, except that it only happens with the wheel partially turned and the suspension partly loaded.

I guess my question is is this plausible? Which leads to what could I do about it?

 

[bob the builder]

not too sure about that without hearing it. will have a listen when i see you at time attack. will bring my mobile workshop so we can look indepth.

 

[darkyGTI-R]

Does it do it when it's cold if it does could be alternator belt perhaps?
I know mine makes funny noises when it's cold in the morning and the steering can be very stiff!

 

[Makaveli_se7en]

Is it worse at high levels of lock at low speed?

 

[PobodY]

At high speed you can't really hear it over the road/engine noise. At low speed you don't really hear it either. - I figure about 40mph when I go around a bend to the left; so quite often on B roads, but never in car parks and rarely on an A road.

The sound is definitely coming from the front left of the car, so nothing driven off the engine. I thought maybe my top-mounts where on the way out... but it's only recently I've thought about noise in the power steering rack; I figure there's a particular point where the wheel is turned and the tie-rod is slightly up (or down) when it starts making the noise.

It doesn't seem to be especially road-speed sensitive, but I did wonder about wheel bearings or maybe a CV joint... except there's no rumble if you put it in neutral, and there's no clicking if you put it on full lock in a car park.

Really what I want to know is if it's safe to ignore it, or whether I need to get the rack out and refurbished. - It's not loosing any power steering fluid; so I'm wondering if it's something in the fluid return or an internal leak.

 

[darkyGTI-R]

It sounds like could be lower arm bushes perhaps or possibly worn ball joints what about your drop links?These could be worn also?
Just a thought George i'm no expert!

 

[pschurr]

If you want to test that it is/is-not the power steering pump, take the belt off.
This will stop the water pump as well, so take it off, test of for 5 miles, and put it back on.


peter

 

[PobodY]

It sounds like could be lower arm bushes perhaps or possibly worn ball joints what about your drop links?These could be worn also?
Just a thought George i'm no expert!

Nope - new wishbone (with new bushes and ball joints) went on about 14 months ago, plus I've tapped and helicoiled the thread for the rear wishbone mount (so I know it's solid now).
New droplinks went in for the MOT about 6 months ago.

That's probably why I can't find any play in the suspension; it has always sounded like something turning which it why I was looking at the bearings and the CV joint.

Peter - I might try that on the weekend; the back roads near my house are just right to make it happen... and if I kill the car at least I can walk home again. ;-)