Power Steering Noise
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Joined: Sep 2013
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From: So Cal
2012 C250
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?
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From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
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.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
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; Dec 13, 2013 at 05:36 AM.
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 129
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From: So Cal
2012 C250
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.
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From: Charlotte, NC
2015 BMW M235i 6MT
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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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.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
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From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
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.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 129
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From: So Cal
2012 C250
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?
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Car must be running. Jacking is only to release stress on suspension. Two turn plates like those on a wheel alignment machine would do.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 129
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From: So Cal
2012 C250
