Steering Issues

87KarmannCab · Post by **87KarmannCab** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 10:50 am

I recently had the power steering rack replaced on my cabriolet. $800 later, my car makes an awful growling sound when I make hard right turns. Is that a steering rack issue or bearing issue? I am also now starting to get a high pitched squeel at any angle of a right turn. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

sixsracing · Post by **sixsracing** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 12:41 pm

High pitched squeel first. Is it a tire squeel? Or is it a belt squeel? Need more data. Could be something as simple as tightening a belt or putting more or less air in a tire.

Growling sound could be a few things. Since it's only on right turns then I'm thinking wheel bearing. Do you know how to check a bearing? If not, post a reply and we will go through it with you.
The noise could also be:
A tie rod end that has dried it's grease up, seen it before.
A strut mount that has let go and is now just grinding instead of turning
Air in the lines between the rack and the pump will sometimes make a growl
Faulty rack

The list could probably go on but this will give you some things to check.

Hope this helps and please write back.

87KarmannCab · Post by **87KarmannCab** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 8:07 pm

The high pitch is coming from the wheel and the tire pressure is good.

I do not know how to check the wheel bearing and any guidance would be appreciated.
Tie rods are new
strut mounts are good.
Don't know about air in the line
I hope its not a faulty rack

Thanks!!

Post by **Briano1234** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 12:00 am

The power steering rack is self bleeding. with the engine running, turn the wheel to full extremes left to right and back 3 times.

Also you can use about a 1/2 bottle of lucas oil PS treatment. It will quiet some pumps and renew the seals in the rack.

I would ask that if you are stopped do you still hear the squeel? If it is stopped and the squeel goes away then it isn't the ps at all.

If you turn the wheel at a stop and the squeel starts then it is most likely the ps.

Also if it is squeeling at a full stop with out the wheels being turned, then turn off the a/c...did the squeel go away? The A/C compressor belt is the most notorious squeeling little piggy on the car.

let us know....

See my avatar, that is because of the A/C belt...

sixsracing · Post by **sixsracing** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 8:01 am

Wheel bearing check: Get which wheel you think the noise is coming from up off the ground. With a hand on the top of the tire, and one on the bottom, try to move the top of the tire towards the car and pull the bottom out towards you. Back and forth. If it's on the front of the car and you get movement, check to make sure the ball joint isn't the cause of the movement also. If this provides no negative results you will need to go deeper. Remove the wheel, the axle and the caliper from the steering knuckle. Re-install wheel only and spin, listen for growling, clicking or whatever. A lot of work, but sometimes it's the only way. Occasionally you will pull an axle out and you can see the rust on the back side of the bearing, good indication of a bad bearing.