2052006 10 Posted August 7, 2008 I've had this for a while now: When warmed up, the steering squeaks/creaks/whines quite loudly. It is a continuous noise for as long as you turn the steering wheel. Even if it's just a fraction of a turn. It only does it when warmed up, not when cold and then it'll do it when moving or stationary. I have taken out the steering column from within the car - not that I have checked the drop links etc am am pretty certain it isn't coming from there. I've had it up on axle stands and it'll still make the noise with the front wheels in the air. I am 90% certain it's coming from the actual rack. Has anyone else had this and do you know the cause? Is it new rack time? It's beginning to annoy me now...... Suggestions welcome P.s. I've also changed the PAS fluid, that didn't help either. Also greased the column joint just inside the engine bay - no difference. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
welshpug 1,657 Posted August 7, 2008 does it do it with the engine off? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2052006 10 Posted August 7, 2008 YES, exactly the same Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2052006 10 Posted August 7, 2008 have also checked all bolts etc - on rack and subframe - all appear ok. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
welshpug 1,657 Posted August 7, 2008 most likely culprits I think would be the strut top bearings or the rack itself. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2052006 10 Posted August 7, 2008 Have checked the strut top bearings and am pretty sure it's not them. Reckon it must be the rack. How difficult is it to remove it? Haynes says that for a PAS rack the subframe has to be dropped. Is this true??!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pug_ham 244 3 Cars Posted August 8, 2008 It could possibly be the lower steering column universal joint just above the rack in the engine bay. My car was picked up as stiff steering lock to lock on the MOT test & once I'd removed everything I discovered this was almost solid in one direction of movement but free in the other. An old lower column uj also used to make noises on one of my other cars when it got warm which tied in with moving the steering column & I think it was the cause because once I swapped it for a different one it stopped making any noise. Haynes says that for a PAS rack the subframe has to be dropped. Is this true??!!! Yes, although the Haynes isn't exactly accurate on this fact. The subframe's is best completely removed to make it an easy task, dropping it slightly just means you have more things loose to move when you are trying to get the steering gear & pipes out. I did this two weeks ago on my STDT & found it much easier when the subframe was off rather than dropped even though it mean't more work. Graham. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Arahan 4 Posted August 8, 2008 The power steering on my old Sorrento used to make a very loud groaning noise if its anything like that? Was just low fluid! I noticed that you haven't mentioned that you've checked that, and its always best to check the simpler things 1st, rather than presuming its a bigger job! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2052006 10 Posted August 8, 2008 Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately I've tried most of them - the fluid is at the right level and brand new - and I have greased that lower uj to buggery! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SeanO'Connor 0 Posted August 21, 2008 I have something very similar, however my car is not pas equipped, I would say it is more of a groan though than a squeak. Doesn't seem to do it on the motorway though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BuD 0 Posted August 21, 2008 I'm sure you will have but its worth metioning that you must bleed the PAS (very simple as described in haynes) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
