Errrrr! Errrrrrrrrrrrr!

[Jesda]

So today I hopped into the Q and noticed that when I turn the steering wheel, I hear this "errrrrrr" sound coming from under the hood. Not quite a whine but almost a groan. The sound happens when the power steering is activated. I can hold the wheel to the side a bit and if power steering is being used, it makes the noise. If I let go of course, it goes away.:help What the heck is that?

Thanks,-J

[elwesso]

Does it sound like a grinding noise???

[docsmile71]

check the power steering fluid. If it's low, then add some. There may also be a leak in the power steering hose....or worse case scenario, the power steering pump needs to be replaced...yikes.

[Jesda]

I'll be sure to check the fluid. It doesnt seem like a grinding. But more like a mechanical whining, like a loud motor sound. "Errrrrr"

My steering isnt centering properly (tie rods? rack bushings?), I'm due for new tires, and I have chain guides that need to be done. New job starts soon so I'll be driving the minivan full time until I get all those things fixed this October.

A shame because I just reactivated my XM radio.

-Jesda

[Jesda]

Well, I started it up again this morning and now it sounds like grinding, and the power steering feels very wrong, kind of jerky. The fluid level is fine. Am I going to have to get a new PS pump? I hope its not too expensive.

-Jesda

[elwesso]

Start the car, let it run for a minute, turn it off, and then open the res........ If its foamy, then you've got air, similar to what I have........

This sound your describing seems very similar to what I have........

Does it do it continuously or does it do it in spurts......

[Jesda]

There's bubbles on the stick. The steering feel is like its in spurts. The sound is constant as Im turning and dies down when I stop turning. After warming up a bit and driving around the sound deadens, but its still there, and the steering assist is jerky.

Should I have a shop change the PS fluid?

-Jesda

[elwesso]

My shop charged $30 or 40 to do that...... It couldnt hurt.........

[Jesda]

Well, I went to check it out again. Let it idle a bit longer. Then I noticed a little white smoke coming from under the hood, on the right, where the PS fluid hose goes down.

Then I looked under the car and there was a huge puddle of fluid! I jacked up the car and tried to see where the leak was but... I dont have jack stands and didnt wanna stick my head in that far. Wherever that silver PS fluid hose goes down to, thats where I think the leak is coming from. I hope I dont need a new pump!

The fluid is also only a little bit low.

-Jesda

[elwesso]

It sounds like your gonna need a new hose....... Its a high pressure hose, so its gonna be pretty expensive....... $100 if I remember corretly......

I wouldnt run it........ The pump may not be getting enough fluid, and you dont want to seize it..........

[Q451990]

I think you're talking about the low pressure hoses from the res. to the pump. Not too expensive (maybe $30-40 each from Joe?) and a common failure item. I replaced them on Q1 at about 90K if I remember correctly - so far they've been fine for the next 110K.

Mine wasn't leaking that badly - but if you're getting air in there, then that would explain it. Your symptoms sound like low fluid, but air causing the pump to cavitate could do that too... same noise different cause.

Heath

[Jesda]

I might just dump some extra fluid in there and head over to the dealer. Or *gasp* suck it up for another tow.

Thanks everyone!

-Jesda

[Q451990]

You might try tightening the clamps up as much as possible to slow down the leak, and then take it in. Those hoses are definately DIYable, but I don't know what sort of tools you have on hand.

Heath

[Jesda]

I'll be sure to check the manual. Are those hoses simply normal rubber hoses held in by normal metal clamps? That cant be very hard to do. Once I get some jackstands I'll be able to see which hose is damaged. I mean something like this should be DIY even for me.

-Jesda