cornishboater

Well-Known Member
For years I have had an issue with the steering but have lived with it. It steers fine but when using left lock when turning (at any speed) it makes an awful noise as if something in the steering column needs lubricating. I have oiled any oil-able areas but it still makes the infernal noise. Any ideas, as mentioned only on left turns.
 
For years I have had an issue with the steering but have lived with it. It steers fine but when using left lock when turning (at any speed) it makes an awful noise as if something in the steering column needs lubricating. I have oiled any oil-able areas but it still makes the infernal noise. Any ideas, as mentioned only on left turns.
Is the noise from the column or external, from the tyres for example. Squealing on lock could mean a seized VCU.
 
Hi Keith, it always sounds like the column, no squeal from the tires. It does it as soon as you start turning left, not so much driving but when negotiating a car park or parking etc. Also does it when stationary, as mentioned, it has been there for many years, as far as I can see/hear it is not actually the column though.
 
Hi Keith, it always sounds like the column, no squeal from the tires. It does it as soon as you start turning left, not so much driving but when negotiating a car park or parking etc. Also does it when stationary, as mentioned, it has been there for many years, as far as I can see/hear it is not actually the column though.
If it does it with the vehicle stationary, I would say it's a case of stripping bits off the column until it stops.
 
Check your Alternator belt and tensioner first. Any cracks on the belt or missing tracks can cause this also, the tensioner needs a good bar or strong screwdriver to ease it back off the belt. If it releases really easily it's shot.
Just to add, when was the last time the power steering fluid was changed?
Take a small sample from the reservoir and check on white paper for any debris in the oil.
If it's brown or smells like it's burnt it needs changingπŸ‘
 
Check your Alternator belt and tensioner first. Any cracks on the belt or missing tracks can cause this also, the tensioner needs a good bar or strong screwdriver to ease it back off the belt. If it releases really easily it's shot.
Just to add, when was the last time the power steering fluid was changed?
Take a small sample from the reservoir and check on white paper for any debris in the oil.
If it's brown or smells like it's burnt it needs changingπŸ‘
Deffo not the belts as they are fairly new and very quiet. Fluid was changed in March and I had additive added. The noise seems to sound quite low down the column although it is one of those noises that is rather hard to track. Its odd that it only occurs on left turns and not on right. As mentioned it has been there for many years but I am on the rampage trying to fix outstanding items on my list...........
 
Deffo not the belts as they are fairly new and very quiet. Fluid was changed in March and I had additive added. The noise seems to sound quite low down the column although it is one of those noises that is rather hard to track. Its odd that it only occurs on left turns and not on right. As mentioned it has been there for many years but I am on the rampage trying to fix outstanding items on my list...........
What about the rod just before the steering box. Is it in good tat?
 
what if you jack the front up to make it easier to turn, and try it with engine off. That would eliminate everything except the steering column & joints.
I will try that next. TBH I only usually have one side up at a time, I do have 2 stands though so I will give it a go. It isn't causing any steering issues as it is, it is just one of those annoying niggles and doesn't appear noticeable from the outside because no one ever seems to look
 
I might be tempted to try another flush in case some dirt is causing some issues.
 
Is the steering centred correctly? Could be why it only happens on one side...
All centred nicely, recently had the tracking done after fitting new track rods, drag link and steering damper. As mentioned this has been there for the past 10 years or more, never gets worse or any better come to that!!
 
what if you jack the front up to make it easier to turn, and try it with engine off. That would eliminate everything except the steering column & joints.
Just tried that, no noises when not running, I was hoping that I might actually find the issue!
 
So it can't be the steering column. Slipping belt, idler or pulley bearing, or maybe pump / steering box noise ?
I guess it must be the pump, the belts and pulleys/bearings are all in good shape. I am going to give it another flush out and put in some of the Lucas additive and see if that does anything. Probably will end up living with it I guess
 

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