Thread: Firewall Groaning

Originally Posted by oldie

My MY2010 Puma has developed a habit of giving out groaning noises from behind the dash in the vicinity of the steering column. Happens when there is a bit of body flex.
It is not easy to see the actual column mounting either from engine compartment of from the cabin side so will need to start taking parts off. But thought a question here first might be a good start.

Oldie

MY 2010 Defender cab/chas with Trayon sometimes
2014 RRS HSE SDV6

It's a Defender. Did you expect it to be cheering?

Sorry, but someone had to say it...

Is it when you turn the wheel?
The rubber on the firewall that the steering shaft goes through was making a groaning type noise when I turned the wheel. This was on a Disco but presume could be the same. Just spray some lube on it.

Thanks JayTee for the comment. Maybe I should have described the noise as more like grinding or even scraping.
Groaning or grinding, I don't think it is a normal noise even for a Defender even if it is most noticeable when i drive over kerbs.

The noise is not related to turning the steering wheel. But the sound comes from that area behind the dash in front of the driver.

Oldie

Originally Posted by Fattima

Is it when you turn the wheel?
The rubber on the firewall that the steering shaft goes through was making a groaning type noise when I turned the wheel. This was on a Disco but presume could be the same. Just spray some lube on it.

No, the noise is not related to turning the steering wheel. It happens when the body is flexing as when I drive over the kerbing getting out of my drive.

Oldie

Have you check tightened the firewall bolts which attach the firewall to the chassis outriggers? They might just be working a little when articulating the chassis?

They can be easily seen from underneath the truck.

Originally Posted by inken_dave

Have you check tightened the firewall bolts which attach the firewall to the chassis outriggers? They might just be working a little when articulating the chassis?

They can be easily seen from underneath the truck.

Thanks, I will have a look at those fastenings but the noise is coming from just below the wind screen in front of the driver.

if you remove the top instrument combing and instrument cluster, you will see a brace which mounts the steering column in position, could also be making the noise?