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MPV Section - Forums for Multi Purpose Vehicles: => Ford Galaxy Forum - Mk1 / Mk2 inc. VW Sharan and SEAT Alhambra (1995-2006) => Topic started by: bigjeeze on November 11, 2012, 10:54:56 AM

Title: Power steering problem
Post by: bigjeeze on November 11, 2012, 10:54:56 AM
Hi CHaps - Some advice please.

My power steering has started making strange noises on full right lock but not in any other position. It looks like it need s some fluid - but, where do I get it - I went to halfords the other day and it appears that of the three or four types available the one for the galaxy is twice the price of any other at a whopping Ã,£14.99 per litre. Is there an alternative cheaper product - and is that the liekly problem?  I recently ( about 5 - 6 months ago replaced the alternator inc pulley so I don't think that it is the cause. Also if the ps fluid is low - could it be leaking?
Title: Re: Power steering problem
Post by: Chrispb on November 11, 2012, 01:41:28 PM
personally for topping up I would use the cheapest ATF fluid, if the fluids gone down below the minimum would suggest a leak, albeit very small over a long period which should make itself evident, if the auxiliary belt/pulleys are dry just top up for now and keep an eye on the level until such time you can have a look underneath.
Title: Re: Power steering problem
Post by: bigjeeze on November 11, 2012, 04:48:14 PM
I'll give that a try for the moment then

Thanks Chris.
Title: Re: Power steering problem
Post by: bigjeeze on December 02, 2012, 07:14:11 PM
Hi Guys

Topped up the Power steer fluid but still got a strange noise - The steering is working fine with no juddering or any other problems yet it still makes an annoying noise.

Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Power steering problem
Post by: Mirez on December 03, 2012, 10:53:14 AM
What kinda noise is it? It should make a higher pitch noise when its right at the end of its travel but that's about it - I take it it's not that noise?
Title: Re: Power steering problem
Post by: redwon on December 03, 2012, 07:40:01 PM
 My daughters Galaxy had a similar problem, it turned out to be the alernator pulley, which has some sort of clutch built into it. When she went onto full lock it would squeel.
Dave
Title: Re: Power steering problem
Post by: bigjeeze on December 04, 2012, 05:42:20 PM
Mirez

the noise is similar to the normal end of travel noise but much much worse - and strangely only on right lock - However I can also hear it when the wheels are straight.  I don't think it likely to be the alternator pulley as it is less than 5 months old but I will double check that .
Title: Re: Power steering problem
Post by: gregers on December 04, 2012, 09:02:11 PM
could it be the tensioner bouncing?
Title: Re: Power steering problem
Post by: bigjeeze on December 13, 2012, 10:44:20 AM
Hi Chaps

Due to an intense burst of activity (work) I haven't had an opportunity to look again at the noise on my Gal. Well I found the time yesterday and realised that the noise wasn't anything to do with the steering. It only appeared when the car started to move - either forwards or back. Anyway I took off the front O/S wheel and it turned out to be the disc shield had somehow become dented and was rubbing on the disc!. A qucik adjustment with a pair of pliers and I am a happy bunny once more!!

Thanks for all your helpful hints.

BJ
Title: Re: Power steering problem
Post by: Chrispb on December 13, 2012, 11:50:14 AM
Thanks for that BJ we can sleep easy now :)
Title: Re: Power steering problem
Post by: Mirez on December 13, 2012, 12:20:34 PM
Interesting, I had this exact problem in August - again, no idea how it had moved as its reasonably well protected but still. Good fix ;)
Title: Re: Power steering problem
Post by: gregers on December 13, 2012, 07:45:35 PM
had that on my lexus,common problem apparently on them.think its to do with heat and this in turn makes the plate buckle?
wonder if its the same on the gals?
Title: Re: Power steering problem
Post by: bigjeeze on December 13, 2012, 07:51:07 PM
I doubt that Gregers - well at least not after 190k miles!!! ;D