power steering noise

[rubb3rbull3ts]

Thanks for the reply Capncol

Yes the steering rack, when i looked at it recently it seem to be leaking from 3-4 different places. When a friend had a look he thinks its because the clips on the steering are missing from both sides.

To be honest the steering has been a problem since i bought the last year, the steering rack was changed for the mot last sept

[gazza82]

I think what Capncol was inferring was even if those gaiter clips are missing, it shouldn't leak from the rack ends .. if it does, the internal seals are also shot.

In most cases it's where the metal pipes join the flexis and it isn't easy to bodge/fix those, but also as these cars get older the actual metal pipes get more porous through corrosion ..

[rubb3rbull3ts]

I think what Capncol was inferring was even if those gaiter clips are missing, it shouldn't leak from the rack ends .. if it does, the internal seals are also shot.

In most cases it's where the metal pipes join the flexis and it isn't easy to bodge/fix those, but also as these cars get older the actual metal pipes get more porous through corrosion ..

I appreciate all comments i haven't got a clue.
But surely when the steering rack was replaced for the mot they would've noticed an issue?
Maybe the seals are gone??

[gazza82]

Not if the gaiter clips came off after it was fitted. On some recon racks they just use tie-wraps to hold the gaiters .. that's assuming this was a recon and not just a cleaned up 2nd-hand rack in which case the seals may be a problem.

Steering fluid is generally red and fairly sticky (it's actually automatic gearbox fluid called ATF) .. it should not be hard to find a leak ... feel inside the loose rack gaiters, and follow the pipes from the steering pump around and under the engine/gearbox.

[Capncol]

I think what Capncol was inferring was even if those gaiter clips are missing, it shouldn't leak from the rack ends .. if it does, the internal seals are also shot.

In most cases it's where the metal pipes join the flexis and it isn't easy to bodge/fix those, but also as these cars get older the actual metal pipes get more porous through corrosion ..

Exactly

[rubb3rbull3ts]

feel inside the loose rack gaiters, and follow the pipes from the steering pump around and under the engine/gearbox.

Should i top it up then take it for a run first?
Thanks for the advice gazza much appreciated

[gazza82]

Just top it up and turn steering full lock back and forth a few times ... should build up enough pressure.

[gazza82]

I think what Capncol was inferring was even if those gaiter clips are missing, it shouldn't leak from the rack ends .. if it does, the internal seals are also shot.

In most cases it's where the metal pipes join the flexis and it isn't easy to bodge/fix those, but also as these cars get older the actual metal pipes get more porous through corrosion ..

Exactly

Great minds .. and all that

[rubb3rbull3ts]

Just top it up and turn steering full lock back and forth a few times ... should build up enough pressure.

thanks gazza