Worrying noise

[patch]

Help please chaps... I can hear a cross between a whine an a more mechanical squeal when turning the steering wheel away from centre. It happens in either direction, seems to come from behind me, can feel it through the steering wheel at parking speeds. It does it both when hot and cold and is now quite noticeable on the local hairpin and 90 degree turns. Few drops of oil been appearing recently which I think is engine oil but could be hydraulics perhaps... power steering? It's a C4 if that makes any difference.

Hope it's not expensive as it's been plain saling so far... Look forward to hearing from you.
All the best
Des

 

[dirtgod]

sounds like loose belt but could be low oil just pop the lid and look,oil should be top line when running and belt should be tight but not to tight

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

A noise like that from just behind your right ear is likely to be the power steering pump. Check the fluid level as a first thing. It often shows up as a groaning from the rack too but if it's affected by the steering the pump and fluid level are likely to be at the root of the problem.

Regards

Dave

 

[da_gleadless]

ORIGINAL: Dave Wilkinson

A noise like that from just behind your right ear is likely to be the power steering pump.  Check the fluid level as a first thing.  It often shows up as a groaning from the rack too but if it's affected by the steering the pump and fluid level are likely to be at the root of the problem.

Regards

Dave 

x 2. I had a similar noise when my hose was leaking!

 

[colin129]

Agree with above posts.

I had exactly the same thing with mine, turns out there was a distinct lack of oil in the power sterring reservoir, although they couldn't find any actual leaks.

Topped up with oil, no further problems, so sounds like a cheap fix, hopefully.

 

[patch]

Thanks all - the power steering fluid was (is) leaking - now topped up and silence has returned, but it looks like a hose needs replacing!
All the best
Des