ketel

Gang,

I noticed an eerie noise the other day that seems to be coming from my RR wheel area. I first noticed it doing a sharp u-turn. It has only gotten more noticeable. It varies in intensity but is really noticeable when turning the wheel.

The noise is a groaning or grinding noise, like a low pitched dentist drill. I hear it when the vehicle is stationary and, as I said, especially when turning the wheel. Obviously, I am not confident driving it in this state.

Some background, last time I had the vehicle up on a lift I noticed the RR rubber wheel boot was torn. I am thinking this might be related?

I haven't done any diagnosing yet, but could it be either wheel bearings or a diff problem? What about a leak of some kind? Anyway, I'd love some thoughtful input.

Much appreciated.

ketel

Wachuko

Or the power steering pump due to low fluid... check that first.

If the CVJ boot was torn, you might have found the issue already. Take out that shaft and replace the CVJs. Pack those CVJ with good grease before install. You will find it to be one of the measiest job ever done... I still have grease from the last time I did the ones in my 951...and that was more than 10 years ago,

Rocket Rob

Check your tire pressure and wheel lug torque too. Eliminate the easy to fix items before doing the more expensive/labor intensive repairs. But I agree, it sounds like a bad CV or wheel bearing.

jimq

+1

Rob in Oz

If it makes the noise when stationary as you say, that eliminates whel bearing/CV/wheel issues - they can only occur when the car is moving. The fact that the noise increases when you turn the steering wheel while stationary would make me bet on the power steering pump, as suggested above.

Rob

Brandon-FL

Any red or pink drips or spots on your garage floor? Might want to check the steering rack boots for any fluid leaks and check the hoses and clamps at the reservoir. Clean everything before you add fluid and if you have a leak it should show up pretty quickly.

I had a leaky hose between the reservoir and the pump and my car started to groan going up the levels of the parking garage at the office. The sound was pretty scary, but an easy fix.

R6XTERRA

I agree about the power steering pump due to low fluid.

ketel

Thanks for the advice. I have noticed some drips toward the front of the vehicle. Hoping this is the culprit as the other alternatives get much more expensive.

Any recommendations on good power steering fluid that I can get at a Kragen's etc? Given time sensitivity, I won't be able to order the spendy stuff from Pelican parts, etc.

ketel

Wachuko

Look... it all depends on where the leak is coming from. Most common (and cheap) place is from one of the two hoses from the canister to the pump (can be seen from inside the engine bay). One hose is easy to replace the other one requires a bit more work to replace.

Worst case scenario... leak is from the steering rack and you will need a rebuilt unit... so start with the easy option first.

Either way, make sure you remove the drive shaft and at least clean and repack the CVJ with good grease or you will be looking at a more expensive repair if you have to replace the CVJ. At this point you might be able to save them and will only cost you a new boot, grease, and your time.

jimq

dont use power steering fluid. It uses Dexron 3 or better auto transmission fluid.

Wachuko

+1 What ^ he said.

Laker

It may be called DEX/MERC, this stuff should be at Kragen

Earlydays

....I had the same problem.
I use Castrol Import Multi-Vehicle ATF.

Rocket Rob

I use Penzoil's Dextron VI

nvrlft

Cycling the power steering fluid (aka ATF) is never a bad idea. I pump a quart or two through the system when changing the oil. With a 20+ year old system it certainly can't hurt to have fresh clean fluid. FWIW, I use the Castrol equivalent.