Forum:
If this has happened to anyone else, you'll know it!
Problem - when turning steering wheel it sounds like there is a lump of grit wedged in a tight space somewhere in the depths of the steering wheel or associated mechanical fixtures and fittings!
Sorry all, I don't really 'do' mechanical that well! Any ideas? Is it easy?!
Sophie.
Noisy
It could be anything, it is simply a process of elimination; first identify which side of the vehicle it is coming from, remove the front wheel and check around the brake dics, and inside the inner guard for debris, stones often wedge here. Check the discs and pads for binding, put the vehicle on full lock and turn the front hub to try to replicate the noise, finally clean it all out with a hosepipe to remove any accumulated debris such as brake dust, this builds up and causes this type of problem. Check the front wheel bearing, this may be worn totally, or simply need adjusting, finally ensure when you fit the front wheel, that the nuts are tight.
If this does not cure it, it almost certainly will be something more serious, and require more expertise.
NOISE - aarrgh!
Hi,
thanks for your reply. The noise is actually coming from the steering wheel.
Sophie.
Noise
The steering wheel is simply attached to the inner column by a large nut with a gripping washer. You will need to prise off the centre horn push to get access.
The wheel and endof the inner column are splined. I am assuming it has the standard steering wheel.
Check that the nut is tight and the wheel is not slipping on the splines. Iftere is any movement then you must not drive the car until it is resolved.
The reason I ask if it is the standard wheel is becase aftermarket wheels require a specific that has matcing splines for the car. If a incorrect boss is placed on te column with movement it will over a short period strip its spown splines asmost are alloy and the column is steel.
If this is not the problem then there are usually bushes in the column that stop the inner column from moving within the outer column. By holding the wheel and mocing it up anddown if there is realisable movement then this could be a problem and will be an MOT failure. These may have worn or even be missing, but it is rare. The only other thing I can think of at that end is the steering lock failing to disengage entirely. Again if this is the case then it could lock it self and the car should be repaired before use. Is thenoise the same if the column angle is adjusted and is the adjuster bar locked properly
Noise travels along solid steel so it could still be further down the steering mechanism.
OLDMINIMA
M J Young
Grease Nipples
Just a thought, When was the last time the grease nipples were greased on the front suspension and steering parts?
Also My steering wheel rubs on the plastic behind it when the wheel is turned which makes a gritty sound i suppose, maybe yours sounds worse.
jack up the front wheels and spin the wheels make sure the axle doesn't spin.(could be faulty hubs)
How many miles per gallon of fuel does it do?
How bad is it? Just a noise, a concerning noise or a deafening / worrying noise?
were all here to help, the more you can tell us the better the help gets.;)
www.centraloffroadclub.co.uk for free fun offroading in the midlands
steering wheel noise
Hi Sophie
check the cowling behind the steering wheel it is plastic and if it moves or becomes slack it makes a real racket
best of luck with it