Hi All!
I have a Rover 216si (1997) that's making a rather unusual noise in first and second gear, particularly when pulling away. I think it's the power steering that's the problem so I wondered if any of you experts out there can tell me how soon I need to get it to the garage and what you think it might be. I don't have any warning lights on the dash and it had a service last year during which the power steering fluid was topped up. Could it be something serious?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks.
|
Can you describe the "unusual noise" in more detail? Is it a screech, rumble, or whine, for instance?
As it only does it in 1st and 2nd gear, I wouldn't have thought it was the power steering, otherwise the noise would be present all the time, and not just in 1st & 2nd.
Does the same noise occur when turning the steering wheel? It *could* just be a loose drive belt.
|
Thanks for your reply!
It's a whining noise rather than anything else. It may well be that it is present all the time but that I can't hear it over the sound of the engine, it's purely that when I pull away I hear it more.
I had the cam belt replaced in the summer along with a service which is why I'm wondering what it could be. I've had a few problems with the clutch/ gears particularly going into reverse - it just doesn't go in properly. Might it be something to do with that?
I can bore you with computer related stuff all day long but I haven't got a clue about cars! :D
|
I've just had a really good listen to it and it seems to be more promonent when you first start the car after the engine has gone cold. It also only seems to happen when you're doing less than 20 mph. I'm sure it could be lots of things but I can only assume it has something to do with the fact that the engine, etc is cold.
Basically, I'm just trying to decide whether I need to get the car in this week or whether I can get away with waiting until next Saturday when I'll be putting it in for it's MOT...
|
Does the noise reduce/stop when clutch pedal depressed?
reverse gear selection on these rovers has never been very smooth at the best of times,older ones included
--
Steve
|
|
No, the noise remains when clutch is depressed I think. It seems to get lounder when steering a lot in either direction but does fade somewhat once the car has warmed up.
|
I would check the power steering reservoir,just to make sure the level is correct.
preferably when cold or not used for a while,some of these reservoirs have a habit of cracking, causing a slow leak before hose connections
--
Steve
|
|
I assume the belt that drives the alternator also drives the power steering pump? Check the belt isn't slack and slipping.
|
Thanks for your advice guys. I'll try and have a look at the power steering reseviour and the belt to see what's going on.
I'll update when I get it sorted :D
|
|
|
