Distressing Noise from the PAS on my TD5

[harryw]

Hi,
Just started getting distress signals every turn of the steering wheel, I have checked levels in the reservoir and they are fine.

The noise is a “stretching” sort of sound, no clunks or bangs just sounds like something rubber isn’t engaging with something and is rubbing against it, hope that description helps with the diagnosis.

2 questions.

1 is it still safe to drive to get it fixed, or

2 is it a case of stop, call the RAC and get it to a repairer asap.


Opinions please

[Red Baron]

I don't know if the Td5 D2 is the same as on a D1, but the earlier models have a rubber bush or something where the steering shaft goes through the firewall. It is quite common to rub and make a groaning noise as you turn the wheel. I'm sure one of the D2 owners will confirm if this is the case. Not a real issue if it is the same, more annoying than anything, and a bugger to get to of course to try and lube it ....Cheers Chris.

[Blknight.aus]

thatd be the one, to positively identify it with the vehicle rolling slowly with the engine off steer lock to lock and see what happens. if it persists then its the rubber grommet on the firewall and is easily solved with a little spray based silicone lube.

[harryw]

thatd be the one, to positively identify it with the vehicle rolling slowly with the engine off steer lock to lock and see what happens. if it persists then its the rubber grommet on the firewall and is easily solved with a little spray based silicone lube.


Tried the downhill test and with engine running the noise is there but with engine off no noise.

Any other suggestions?

[Blknight.aus]

how olds the oil? big red did it a couple of times before the last service when i changed the oil and that seemed to have fixed mine.

[harryw]

Serviced 3 months ago may be 4

[Blknight.aus]

ermmmmm....

does it do it more when idling or all engine speeds...

Might be the flow valve playing up due to the oil being a slightly different spec if it does it more at low engine speeds and nearer to the steering stops.

[harryw]

It doesn't vary with engine speed.

Looks like the service was 6 months ago and Richard has scheduled me with a visit so it will get sorted later this week.

Thanks for the responses when the outcome is known I will post again.

[Blknight.aus]

oh in answer to the first question unless the steering starts to get heavy or ligher than usual in one direction or the other its still safe to drive.


(missed that first time around)

[harryw]

The fault is the pump in the PAS and is being replaced as I write this, not cheap but needed to be done.

regards