Power Steering sound/issue/leak? HELP needed thanks!

[alchang32]

hey guys..i think im kind of experiencing the same problem, but i was driving late at night its about 16F ouotside. when i left the house everything was fine, until i got to my friends place when i smell some kind of werid smell, not a good sign. i poped open the hood and saw some kin of oil spill. It was mostly on the bottom, "oil pan" ? im not sure what that is called. So later on i drive home, onliy finding the mechanical noise is pretty obivious. The noise only occured only then i steer. After i got in my garage, i put it in park with the car on...i steer lightly to the right a bit and to the left, the sound occured on both times. Im really worried, since #1 theres oil leakage somewhere, but seems like its not leaking anymore #2 theres a "errrrrr" sound when i turn lightly to the left or right, or even holding it there. Please everyone. any help and ideas would help alot. BTW my car is an 02 C32, wid 48K miles. Thank you for your time!

To remove this ad, register today or login if you already are registered!

[boohooramblers]

Originally Posted by alchang32

hey guys..i think im kind of experiencing the same problem, but i was driving late at night its about 16F ouotside. when i left the house everything was fine, until i got to my friends place when i smell some kind of werid smell, not a good sign. i poped open the hood and saw some kin of oil spill. It was mostly on the bottom, "oil pan" ? im not sure what that is called. So later on i drive home, onliy finding the mechanical noise is pretty obivious. The noise only occured only then i steer. After i got in my garage, i put it in park with the car on...i steer lightly to the right a bit and to the left, the sound occured on both times. Im really worried, since

#1 theres oil leakage somewhere, but seems like its not leaking anymore
#2 theres a "errrrrr" sound when i turn lightly to the left or right, or even holding it there.

Please everyone. any help and ideas would help alot.
BTW my car is an 02 C32, wid 48K miles.

Thank you for your time!

An '02 with 48K miles? That's your problem right there - you aren't driving it enough!! Kidding!

The noise is probably due to low power steering fluid (PSF) levels.
Did you check the PSF level in your car? That's the first step.

Several possibilities come to mind:
A) Many people (not just our cars) experience a 'groaning' noise when initially steering in the cold because the extreme cold decreases the volume of the PSF. If your PSF levels are borderline to begin with, then the extreme cold will decrease it past that threshold level.

B) The noise could be due to the power steering pump going bad. Perhaps there's a bad bearing.

C) (Most obvious) - you have a PSF leak. You alluded to an oil spill around the 'oil pan'.
Do you mean the splash shield?
How much PSF? (again, try to make a correlation with your current PS fluid levels).
Do you see oil dripping from the power steering hoses? - You need to check these.
Do you see oil dripping from the fluid reservoir? - This may also explain the noise if air is allowed into the system.

D) Is your polyV belt in good shape? Maybe it's worn (glazed) and there isn't good contact between the pulley and the belt - that may lead to a screeching noise.

[TopGun32]

I have the same issue too..

its a rubber hose with a metal crimp leaking the fluid. Best way to inspect is through the bottom. Lift the car or use a car jack. Remove the plastic cover.

the fluid is all over my plastic bottom cover and around the power steering pump area.

add more PS fluid for now.. but you will have to find how to stop the leak eventually.

I used to have the noise, but I have been adding fluid every 2 or 3 months.

[alchang32]

thanks all, i will be bringing the car to the shop monday to get it checked out!

Still kind of worried, i will first check the PSL today, btw where can i ge some fulid for the car?

Thanks!

[BARRATT]

I had the same issue....All I have to say is THANK GOD FOR MY EXTENDED WARRANTY!!!

First it started with the noise then came the smell with smoke when I turned lock to lock. It got worse when the car was under boost. Anyway, the dealership replaced my rack because all the bushings were toast. Anything rubber under thecar had to be replaced due to fluid contamination including the motor mounts, tranny mount, and all bushings. The pump had to be replaced also because of metal shaving and debris passing through it. The total bill was $3900!!!! It cost me nothin!!!!!