power steering prob

maverick

Member
Messages
1,982
OK I noticed a couple of times when starting up in the mornings I am getting a slight whining noise which increases when turning the steering wheel ,so I am thinking that the power steering fluid needs toping up at least but I would like to change it , I do have a very slight leek on the cooling rad which I need to address at some point probably when I get the front bumper repainted (stone chips ) ,so the question is will this correct the noise and is it a easy job to do at home and can some one point me to a how to .
cheers mav
 

Parisien

Moderator
Messages
34,927
Its not the easiest, I have a DIY thread up somewheres.......but power steering leak at radiator is common.


P
 

maverick

Member
Messages
1,982
Its not the easiest, I have a DIY thread up somewheres.......but power steering leak at radiator is common.


P

I pretty handy with the spanners though so would happy to tackle it my self ,how much would a garage charge as I am having the clutch done on the 30th and might get them to do it .

Cheers Parisian
 

Parisien

Moderator
Messages
34,927
Depends if they take front bumper off or not, or use the through the grille method!

Days work if bumper off..........see how long it took us!


P
 

maverick

Member
Messages
1,982
OK cheers ,if I just want to bleed the system and put new fluid in how difficult is that ,is there a bleed screw ?
 

Parisien

Moderator
Messages
34,927
Not sure on that point M, think we drained it all effectively. Check no leak from pump too as its been mentioned recently too, plus need to check if anything in fluid released from pump to check for fragments.


P
 

davy83

Member
Messages
2,809
whining noise suggest fluid is low at least, but should not be a noticeable noise. leaks in the steering fluid are relatively common.
 

miket

Member
Messages
647
I had a leak at the unions on the rack, I just nipped them up and it was sorted....
 

maverick

Member
Messages
1,982
This what is says in my hand book for my 4200

AFT DEXRON II D LEV,SAE 10W
AGIP AFT II D

Hope this helps
 

maverick

Member
Messages
1,982
Update panic over , just sucked out the old fluid in the reservoir replaced with new , started her up gave a few turns on the steering wheel , turned off and repeated a couple off more times . To be fair the old fluid was quite clean I think the problem was it was just low but at least it got some new in it . Probably not the correct procedure but it worked .
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
Could have been worse, it could of tasted like the SM drink of choice - Skittlebomb!

Changed my power steering yesterday as the car was up on the ramp.

Undid the pipe by the steering box on the steering rack.

About 1.5 litters came out.

Replace and topped up, started the car, turned from lock to lock a few times with the cap loose so it could vent.

Job done.
 

hodroyd

Member
Messages
14,150
Sounds like all is taking shape mate, excellent..!! Have not gone near the GS for ages it seems like, I have a lot to make up..!!
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
Sounds like all is taking shape mate, excellent..!! Have not gone near the GS for ages it seems like, I have a lot to make up..!!

Front bumper is off and gone to paint, back Tuesday
Front wheel bearing ABS sensor failed, part turning up Tuesday too.
Replaced the water radiator and filled up with coolant and deionised water
Dropped the oil and filter as it was up in the air
Dropped the power steering fluid and replaced with Dextron II

So next Wed (my day off to play on cars) I will be fitting the hub (ill get the old one off at the weekend) and refitting the front bumper.

Then it needs taxing, insuring and MOT'ing plus 2 new Eagle F1, but the car will be tip top for the next few years now.


...then the Alfa Spider goes on the ramp for engine removal and front end tear down....never a dull moment in my house!!!

Oh, I have Loz popping round on Sunday morning to drop off the Alfa master key he rescued from the Copart incinerator!