Power steering problem

[bigjeeze]

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?

[Chrispb]

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.

[bigjeeze]

I'll give that a try for the moment then

Thanks Chris.

[bigjeeze]

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?

[Mirez]

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?

[redwon]

 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

[bigjeeze]

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 .

[gregers]

could it be the tensioner bouncing?

[bigjeeze]

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

[Chrispb]

Thanks for that BJ we can sleep easy now

[Mirez]

Interesting, I had this exact problem in August - again, no idea how it had moved as its reasonably well protected but still. Good fix

[gregers]

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?

[bigjeeze]

I doubt that Gregers - well at least not after 190k miles!!!