Power Steering Noise
12-12-2013, 06:49 PM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Power Steering Noise
It has been getting pretty cold up here in the high desert of southern California and I have noticed three times now a cavitating noise coming from the power steering. Or at least it only happens when I turn the wheel, usually right off of center. It hasn't happened at start up either, only at some mid point in my trips. after the first two I checked the fluid level and it appeared to be a little low. I took it in and my SA said it did look a bit low, so fluid was added and I was on my way. Of course the sound wouldn't happen at the dealer... Now a week later it happened again, I can't make it happen with any regularity, just when it wants. 
Also, when at a stop with my foot on the brake, and sometimes off the brake, the car shudders if I turn the wheel from lock to lock. My 01 Civic doesn't do this, I wouldn't expect it with this vehicle.
Any body have this happen, and what was the out come?
Also, when at a stop with my foot on the brake, and sometimes off the brake, the car shudders if I turn the wheel from lock to lock. My 01 Civic doesn't do this, I wouldn't expect it with this vehicle.Any body have this happen, and what was the out come?
12-12-2013, 06:59 PM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
It has been getting pretty cold up here in the high desert of southern California and I have noticed three times now a cavitating noise coming from the power steering. Or at least it only happens when I turn the wheel, usually right off of center. It hasn't happened at start up either, only at some mid point in my trips. after the first two I checked the fluid level and it appeared to be a little low. I took it in and my SA said it did look a bit low, so fluid was added and I was on my way. Of course the sound wouldn't happen at the dealer... Now a week later it happened again, I can't make it happen with any regularity, just when it wants. Also, when at a stop with my foot on the brake, and sometimes off the brake, the car shudders if I turn the wheel from lock to lock. My 01 Civic doesn't do this, I wouldn't expect it with this vehicle.
Any body have this happen, and what was the out come?
Also, when at a stop with my foot on the brake, and sometimes off the brake, the car shudders if I turn the wheel from lock to lock. My 01 Civic doesn't do this, I wouldn't expect it with this vehicle.Any body have this happen, and what was the out come?
When you use the term, "cavitating noise", I think of the sound when my boat's prop gets into a air pocket in a tight maneuver. How do you mean it here? Is it sort of a squealing, quasi-electronic high pitch sound just as the steering wheel comes off center? If so, please indicate, and I can go on about this issue.
12-12-2013, 10:48 PM
#4
Super Moderator
Sportstick can guide you if it is his favourite electronic noise.
If the steering squeals worse at full lock either way it is due to fluid aeration due to low level. Check fluid level. It can be very critical. The noise is caused by air sqealing through the pressure relief valves.
If turning the steering causes engine shake it is also generally fluid aeration causing varying load.
If the steering squeals worse at full lock either way it is due to fluid aeration due to low level. Check fluid level. It can be very critical. The noise is caused by air sqealing through the pressure relief valves.
If turning the steering causes engine shake it is also generally fluid aeration causing varying load.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; 12-13-2013 at 05:36 AM.
12-12-2013, 11:01 PM
#5
Member
Thread Starter
Sport stick, it isn't a high pitch noise, it is more of a lower hum. The sound seems like it is coming from the front of the vehicle. I'll check the fluid again but it was checked and filled at the dealer last week. Also it isn't a regularly occurring sound. Just ever so often. Thanks for any assist.
12-12-2013, 11:18 PM
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
When you use the term, "cavitating noise", I think of the sound when my boat's prop gets into a air pocket in a tight maneuver. How do you mean it here? Is it sort of a squealing, quasi-electronic high pitch sound just as the steering wheel comes off center? If so, please indicate, and I can go on about this issue.
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12-13-2013, 03:48 AM
#8
MBWorld Fanatic!
Mike,
You said your fluid level was low . Maybe it has picked up some air in the system which as yet has not been fully primed out.
I believe that if you raise the front wheels of your vehicle & turn lock to lock 15 to 20 times you can vent the air. Can't remember whether the engine has to be running or not.
You said your fluid level was low . Maybe it has picked up some air in the system which as yet has not been fully primed out.
I believe that if you raise the front wheels of your vehicle & turn lock to lock 15 to 20 times you can vent the air. Can't remember whether the engine has to be running or not.
12-13-2013, 05:39 AM
#9
Super Moderator
12-13-2013, 09:17 AM
#11
MBWorld Fanatic!
Just back online.....
Yes, as Glyn helped out with my last post on this, the steering wheel module produces a high pitched, almost electronic-sounding noise, mostly just off center in either direction. The noise seems to come from the steering column, just forward-in-car of the steering wheel hub. Not a DIY to me! Repair is about $700, but dealer goodwilled it, including replacing the module in the column.
Yes, as Glyn helped out with my last post on this, the steering wheel module produces a high pitched, almost electronic-sounding noise, mostly just off center in either direction. The noise seems to come from the steering column, just forward-in-car of the steering wheel hub. Not a DIY to me! Repair is about $700, but dealer goodwilled it, including replacing the module in the column.
12-13-2013, 03:23 PM
#12
Member
Thread Starter
Mike,
You said your fluid level was low . Maybe it has picked up some air in the system which as yet has not been fully primed out.
I believe that if you raise the front wheels of your vehicle & turn lock to lock 15 to 20 times you can vent the air. Can't remember whether the engine has to be running or not.
You said your fluid level was low . Maybe it has picked up some air in the system which as yet has not been fully primed out.
I believe that if you raise the front wheels of your vehicle & turn lock to lock 15 to 20 times you can vent the air. Can't remember whether the engine has to be running or not.
Carsy, how much should I jack the front end up?
12-13-2013, 04:06 PM
#13
Super Moderator
Car must be running. Jacking is only to release stress on suspension. Two turn plates like those on a wheel alignment machine would do.
12-13-2013, 04:59 PM
#14
Member
Thread Starter
