Power steering question?

"RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars" (rallydarkstrike) 02/29/2020 at 08:36 • Filed to: None

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Hi all,

Quick question! I n the last few weeks, I’ve been periodically hearing a squeaking sound coming from the front of my car. It didn’t seem to be suspension as it wasn’t only when I went over bumps, and it doesn’t seem to be a wheel bearing as it’s not constant when it does happen . It’s not brakes either, as it doesn’t happen when I’m slowing down.

I had my driver’s window down this morning as I was driving around town slowly, and seemed to notice it only happens when I’m driving slowly and when I’m turning. some quick testing shows that it only seems to make the noise when I’m steering the car, so for I tested it by t urning from full lock to full lock while I’m parked.

At near full lock in either direction, I can feel the pump ‘skipping’. I checked the fluid and it is full. I used to hear the belt squeal near full lock a while ago once and awhile, but I haven’t heard that in a long time so I figured that may have been just something like the cold (it’s been warmer lately).

Is something going in my power steering rack? Or could it just be down to something like a loose belt? I should say that the squeaking I’m hearing sounds completely different than the belt squeal, so I know that the squeaking isn’t just the belt slipping because they sound different.

Penny for Oppo’s t houghts ?

Boxer_4 > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 02/29/2020 at 09:04

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How old is the belt and how old is the fluid? I’ve seen before where the belt will skip under load as they get old and the rubber becomes less pliable. Probably worth checking the condition of the belt and if its noticeably loose.  

jimz > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 02/29/2020 at 09:34

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near full lock is basically maximum load for the pump. I wouldn’t worry about it unless/until the pump is making noise all the time.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 02/29/2020 at 10:10

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Could be the strut tower bushing/bearing too. Try squirting a bunch of lube up there and see if it quie t s down.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > jimz 02/29/2020 at 15:04

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Noise isn’t constant...I was mostly hearing it occ a sionally when pulling away from stop lights and stop signs when turning a direction, so I’ve been here it NOT at max lock, which is what has me a bit worried...still, again, it’s not constant though, and it’s not a really loud scary sound, just a noticeable squeak.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > jimz 02/29/2020 at 15:04

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Noise isn’t constant...I was mostly hearing it occ a sionally when pulling away from stop lights and stop signs when turning a direction, so I’ve been here it NOT at max lock, which is what has me a bit worried...still, again, it’s not constant though, and it’s not a really loud scary sound, just a noticeable squeak.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Boxer_4 02/29/2020 at 15:05

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Both belt and fluid are probably overdue for a change, if I’m honest, but the belt doesn’t LOOK like it’s in bad shape?

jimz > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 02/29/2020 at 15:39

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could be an idler or tensioner pulley; when the bearings of those dry out they can start making various noises.  intermittent at first, then constant.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > jimz 02/29/2020 at 16:01

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Hmmm, that could very well be...

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 03/01/2020 at 12:19

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Could be...I know the suspension could use a refresh... 175,000kms on the original suspension, as far as I know. I’m not sure I would want to know the cost of refreshing it all though...