rawky

When at near or full lock, a groan comes from the steering. I think it feels like the steering wheel as it isn't original, is this likely or is it bushes?

ZEUS+

How's the fluid level ?

Ian928

Do you mean a groan only when you turn the wheel or will it keep on making the noise? If you keep pushing the steering wheel to the max the rack will make a groaning sound.

Another possibility is that the steering wheel itself rubs on something. You could pull it and look for scuffmarks.

smudaaar

I'm guessing its fluid. Had the same thing happen to my bmw a few weeks ago. Quickest thing u can do is top off the fluid and see if it goes away.

DSC928

Sorry I can't help with the diagnosis, but I can sympathize. My GTS has the same groan in the steering that you describe, only happens once in a while, but has done it as long as I have owned it. And only at very low speeds. I've had everything in the front ended checked and lubed etc. at it checks out perfect. But it has had no ill effects on the car or its performance. So I just live with it.

rawky

ive topped up the fluid, its most likely to be the steering wheel.

the flyin' scotsman

The fluid reservoir also contains the filter which is not replaceable but the reservoir is reasonable $$.

If you flush the system with new clean fluid as well as replacing the res. your groans should be gone...............remember to use ATF.

BTW..........what was the final score with West Ham?

JKelly

Did you have the car on and idling when you checked it? It should be. Then, with the engine still on, quickly turn the steering wheel from lock to lock to drive excess air out of the cylinders. Then recheck fluid level.

StratfordShark

Even if fluid topped up there may still be air trapped in system causing the groans (cavitation).

I fixed groaning with fluid flush. There are good instructions for this here and on Nichols site, but basically you're removing return hose from reservoir and dumping the fluid to a bucket or similar while operating rack.

Dean_Fuller

Something I learned years ago is try to ALWAYS avoid steering turns to full stop...the pressure is at its max at that point and not good for any older power steering system. If you have to turn to full stop then back off as soon as you feel it....it will help prolong the life of your steering system.

Sharkbody

It can cavitate when fillter is dirty, producing groaning sound. Non-original wheels can also make a sound like rubber on metal when turned. G