Whines from the front and Growls from the back !

[5m3g_head]

Hi Folks,

I have recently received a galant vr4 from japan, and have been working my way through servicing and repairs. Unfortunately Im a n00b when it comes to mechanical work, so its been slow going.

I currently have a few issues that Im working on and I thought I might post them up to see if anyone could offer any advice.

1. Power Steering noise

The power steering whines when I turn. Seems worse when its cold, but still does it when hot. I have flushed the Fluid and replaced it with new Dextron III. I have also checked the belt. It looks in good condition and seems tight. I was wondering if it could be too tight ? or am I looking at a stuffed PS pump ?


2 . Noise from rear at low speed.

I have a low sort of grinding/growling sound that comes from the rear of the car at speeds of <20km. It seems to be coming from the drivers side. I check the brakes on the RHS and they have plenty of meat, the callipers don’t seem stuck and the rotors look OK. I tried wobbling the wheel to check the wheel bearings but it hardly moved at all. Ive also had a look at the AYC fluid and it looks brand new (very red). Any ideas how I should proceed with this one ?


I have been lurking around this site for a few weeks and would like to thank all the contributors, Ive learnt so much !

 

[Guest]

1: Try adjusting the power steering tensioner.

2: Could be AYC pump related as that it located on the drivers side under the rear of the bumper, from memory...

 

[Hotwire]

on that note, I would be changing the AYC SPIII fluid And the diff fluid. Would also change the transfer case fluid while your at it too

 

[5m3g_head]

So, even though the AYC fluid looks nice and new you think I should still change it ? maybe stuffed ?

 

[Guest]

bahahaha eff you lee :lol:

 

[Hotwire]

So, even though the AYC fluid looks nice and new you think I should still change it ? maybe stuffed ?

Yes its possible. Its likely the fluid is still red simply because it hasn't been heated (which causes discolouration as well as contaminants) but it may not be lubricating as it should. Also the diff fluid/oil will eliminate grinding gears.

 

[bradc]

It could also be a bearing? Especially if it is happening in a straight line. Does it get slightly worse if you turn one way?

 

[5m3g_head]

yes, it makes it going straight, makes no difference if im turning.

i also noticed today that it doesn't seem to do when the car is cold, only after driving for a while.

 

[Macca]

Sounds like it could be a problem with an oil or lubricant as the guys above have said. While the oil is cold its thicker and lubricating ok but when it gets hotter and is flowing better its not lubricating as well as it should.

 

[pauly]

i thought the whine noise was from a lack of fluid from the power streering, i had the same noise on my soarer, i checked it and it was nearly empty, filled it and the noise went..

 

[triggs]

i think i might have a similar noise to the second issue, but only when im in the hills taking corners at good speed.

 

[5m3g_head]

i thought the whine noise was from a lack of fluid from the power streering, i had the same noise on my soarer, i checked it and it was nearly empty, filled it and the noise went..

Ive had similar with my soarer, because toyota PS racks always leak !

but in this case, I have flushed the PS system and its full of nice new fluid. The noise however remains. I'll have a play with the belt on the weekend (weather permitting) and see if that sorts it. But I have a feeling the PS pump is shagged.

 

[Slinz]

I have noticed a similar feel/sound from the back end over the past couple of days but only when in carparks etc. going from 5 - 20 km/h frequently, then it disappears as soon as I'm on open roads. The fluids back there are a couple of hundred km's past their due date to be changed so hopefully that's the problem. Post back here if you discover something nastier!

 

[5m3g_head]

I have noticed a similar feel/sound from the back end over the past couple of days but only when in carparks etc. going from 5 - 20 km/h frequently, then it disappears as soon as I'm on open roads. The fluids back there are a couple of hundred km's past their due date to be changed so hopefully that's the problem. Post back here if you discover something nastier!

thats it, 5-20k in car parks, its very noticeable. If it doesn't rain this weekend Im going to change the diff oil and AYC speed gear oil. After that I guess I'll get someone to flush the AYC. I'll post the results as I go.

 

[Slinz]

thats it, 5-20k in car parks, its very noticeable. If it doesn't rain this weekend Im going to change the diff oil and AYC speed gear oil. After that I guess I'll get someone to flush the AYC. I'll post the results as I go.

It WILL rain this weekend! Good luck, hopefully it rectifies your issue and mine is the same.

 

[5m3g_head]

It WILL rain this weekend! Good luck, hopefully it rectifies your issue and mine is the same.

Yeah, but can I get it done between showers ? besides, I am waterproof.

 

[naughtika]

what brand oils did you use for the PS and rear diff including AYC if you've done it already

 

[godzilla]

Taken from the first post:

"The power steering whines when I turn. Seems worse when its cold, but still does it when hot. I have flushed the Fluid and replaced it with new Dextron III. I have also checked the belt. It looks in good condition and seems tight. I was wondering if it could be too tight ? or am I looking at a stuffed PS pump ?"

Maybe our PS pumps don't like Dexron? I know all other parts of the car don't.

 

[twisted32]

Dextron III is the recommended fluid for power steering, don't use SPIII in there.

 

[5m3g_head]

what brand oils did you use for the PS and rear diff including AYC if you've done it already

I havent done the diff yet (thats this weekend) but Ive bought some caltex 75w90 GL5 for it, and I have some left over SPIII for the AYC speed gears.

The PS was flushed with Dextron III, cant remember the brand.