Power Steering Noise - Ideas?

[conkyd]

Hi guys,

Power steering is an area I know very little about, so I am seeing if anyone has seen something like this before? I have a MY07 SpecB 3.0. When the car is cold/ first started if i go full lock on the steering you hear a noise similar to tyres rubbing on plastic inner guards (the car is stationary and I have checked the clearance) on full lock and when quickly changing directions in the steering whilst parked.

Once the car is warmed up, the noise disappears, and you only get the normal full lock light noise and no noise changing directions quickly. The fluid level is good and there are no leaks.

My only thought is that the pump is on it's way out/needs servicing and makes the noise when the fluid is cold and maybe a bit thicker.

thanks

[Robbks]

firstly, check the condition of the drive belt.
even pop the belt off and inspect the pump pulley/ bearing for free-play

next, drain, flush and re-fill the system
a good way of doing this is
-jack up the car so the wheels are off the ground
-get a big syringe and extract the fluid from the reservoir (not completely empty or it'll suck air into the system)
-refill with new fluid (Castrol ATF, find the specs in your owners manual)
-then with engine running, turn the wheel from lock to lock about 10 times to pump the old fluid out of the rack and cycle the new fluid in.
-repeat the procedure of replacing the fluid until you get no more old fluid out.

at least now you will know your fluid is fresh (old gummy fluid can cause issues/ noises) and what condition your pulleys/ belts, etc are in to help with further diagnosis if needed.
also, while the belt is off, inspect all your pulleys/ bearings.

[conkyd]

cheers! will do