I have a vauxhall zafira club 03 reg. It is the first car I have had with power steering. Sometimes when i am parking in a tight space, the steering shuddrs and there is a groaning noise. Does that mean ther is a problem with my steering? If I don't do anything will it turn into manual steering or break down altogether?
2006-08-14 05:29:29 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Check your power steering fluid, it sound like it is low. When it is low it makes a noise and may even be harder to turn like when you didn't have power steering.
2006-08-14 05:36:23 · answer #1 · answered by angei0809 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Overtired"
It will NOT 'revert' to 'manual' steering as they are completely different systems. What you will have is a car with an almost impossible to turn steering wheel.
There are a few things that could be behind this. But if your tyres are properly inflated, you are in need of some power-steering fluid.
Under the bonnet there should be a small plastic container (bit like the coolant header-tank) somewhere near the bulk-head (the back of the engine compartment) that has a graphic of a little steering wheel on it. Check that. It should be marked with 'Hi' & 'Low' levels in some way.
The fluid you can get from Halfords/Motaparts and any other such place. Don't shake up the liquid as you can get air bubbles in it. Even after replacing or toppig up, keep your eye on the levels for a few days. There may be a leak in the system somewhere.
But seriously, don't delay. Get it sorted ASAP. If you are at all unsure, take it to a dealer or service centre.
Don't wait for it to break. A small cost now better than big one later!
2006-08-14 06:12:23 · answer #2 · answered by Colin A 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you turn the steering all the way your pump will shudder and groan. This is normal because your pump is putting out as much pressure as it can trying to keep the wheels turning farther then they can.
Some pumps groan when the vehicle is stopped and the tires are stationary, causing the system to turn the tires directly on the pavement, (kind of like an eraser on paper,) and shudder as the wheels are turning.
Another cause could be power steering pump is a little low on fluid.
Find a reputable mechanic to check it out. If it is something wrong with the pump then it will fail and you will have to steer it with out power steering.
If your vehicle has rack and pinion steering and the rack is having trouble, then, if it breaks, your car won't go anywhere. Usually the rack has a problem with a seal and is leaking fluid. Sometimes a power steering stop leak, ( like Lucas,) can fix it. Other times a seal can be replaced. In severe cases the rack has to be replaced.
2006-08-14 05:52:39 · answer #3 · answered by Thomas S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it only happens on full-lock, don't worry.
In that case, what's happening is you're trying to turn the wheels further than they can turn, and the power assistance is trying to help you. However, because the wheels cannot turn any further, hydraulic pressure in the assistance system builds up, then is released by a pressure-relief valve. The noise and shudder are the build-up and release of pressure.
If the noise and shudder remain after you wind off a little lock, so the steering is not right at the limit of angle, then you have a problem, and you need to get it checked out.
If the power-assistance system fails, you will have unassisted steering. However because your car was designed for power-assistance, the steering will be very, very heavy without the assistance. Also the car will fail an MOT.
2006-08-14 05:41:33 · answer #4 · answered by Neil 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you have plenty of fluid, & you have kick back & noise anytime you're not at full-lock (steering wheel turned as far as it will go), dont forget to check for proper tension on the power steering pump drive belt. It should have no more than 1/2 inch (13 cm) of deflection on the longest span (between the 2 pullies that are farthest apart)
2006-08-18 15:57:03 · answer #5 · answered by huey18922 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Areated fluid can cause shudder and noise.
A pump can fail in such a way that turning its pulley can add areation to the fluid along with the assist.
First inspect the belt tension, the fluid in use, and the level.
it is possible you could need to reseal or replace the pump
and or the assist. The belt tension having been corrected not being enough.
I saw this a few times over the years, it is not just one make that may have a front seal or shaft problem.
I have not seen a vauxhall system, but that is general power steering knowledge known to be correct.
2016-01-01 10:30:23 · answer #6 · answered by Dannyl 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your power steering fluid is low go to a garage if this system runs dry it could damage the steering rack and the power steering pump and they aint cheap!
2006-08-14 10:30:00 · answer #7 · answered by Ian R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
It could be low on power steering fluid or the power steering belt is loose, worn and/or slipping.
Good luck!
mike
2006-08-17 09:17:33 · answer #8 · answered by n/a 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Doesn't sound like there's anything wrong. Check your power steering level. If it's low you can buy fluid to top it up in any auto store.
2006-08-14 05:37:27 · answer #9 · answered by greg m 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my educated guess is that you need to put power steering fluid in. Do you know where to find it? I have a similar prob only it has gotten to the point where the wheel won't really move.
2006-08-14 05:42:28 · answer #10 · answered by Ann 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋