Power Steering

[Leigh]

Hi to everyone,

 

I have a 1995 Aspen Galaxy 2.0 which drives well but has a very noisy power steering on full lock in both directions. The system does not appear to need bleeding as there are no bubbles in the fluid. Has anybody had experience of this

problem or knows what might be causing it ?

 

Cheers,

Leigh

[Ivor_E_Tower]

If you really mean on maximum lock only, both directions, this should be nothing to worry about - try not to keep the wheel hard over against the lock stops, though, as this is not supposed to help the life of the system.

[Dave-G]

Ivor's got it spot on

[Leigh]

:lol: Thanks for your answers. That has reassured me. Is anyone able to tell me the most likely cause of the noise? As I listen over the engine with the bonnet up and my wife turning the steering wheel from lock to lock, the noise appears to come from a liitle to the left side, below and behind the exhaust heat shield.

 

Thanks for your help,

Leigh

[Ivor_E_Tower]

It's something to do with the design of spool valves fitted in the racks, and their flow rate when in "maximum displacement" position, and the speed at which the pump can circulate the fluid through all the pipework (including valves).

NB if you stall the car on full lock, there is a sharp "tug" through the steering wheel as the fluid pressure in the rack suddenly drops, which could bruise your thumb/finger(s) depending on how you are holding the wheel. Be warned!

[Leigh]

Thanks for that Ivor. I was concerned as it's the wife and kids that use the Galaxy.

Looks like it's something you put up with or pay a fortune to get rid of !

 

Cheers,

Leigh

[seatkid]

The relief valves unloading noise on full lock is usually not very noisy.

 

If the noise is a loud graunching or trumpeting type noise as you turn the wheel towards full lock - this is due to a design fault caused by fluid oscillation in the piping to the steering pump.

 

I have this occurr occassionally, as usual the dealers couldn't find the problem under warranty :lol: , but there is a Ford TIS on the subject and revised pipes are availbale to overcome the probem.

 

I just live with it.

[Leigh]

As an update to this, it does make some noise whilst turning the steering wheel toward full lock in either direction. This only seems to be whilst manouvering at

slow speed (in and out of spaces or when stationary) Would this still indicate that

the noise is due to the fluid/valve answer as given earlier ?

 

Thanks,

Leigh

[seatkid]

This is due to the design fault as I posted (mine suffers from it) - don't think it causes damage - just annoying

 

 

 

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN No.126/1997

Car and Light/Medium Commercial 04.06.1997

 

 

Section: 13

 

Model: Galaxy LHD only built from 09/95 (build code SJ) onwards

 

Markets: All except United Kingdom/Eire

 

Subject: Power steering noise whilst manoeuvrering at slow speeds

 

Service Instruction

 

Should a customer express concern over noises from the power assisted steering whilst manoeuvrering at slow speeds (eg whilst parking in confined spaces), it is possible for fluctuations in fluid pressure to cause the high-pressure pipe to oscillate, resulting in a `trumpeting' type noise. This can be resolved by removing the high pressure pipe (refer to the Galaxy Service Microfiche, Operation Number 13 442 0) and installing a revised pipe (see Parts Required).

 

NOTE:

The new high-pressure pipe must be installed so that it does not touch other components such as heat shields, cross members, air conditioning pipes or the steering gear.

[hodge060]

i'm suffering from the same problem however my wheel jutters aswell when looking at the belt when the engine is on and the wheel turned the power steering pulley seams to stall any ideas? Edited March 19, 2010 by hodge060

[chrispb123456]

i'm suffering from the same problem however my wheel jutters aswell when looking at the belt when the engine is on and the wheel turned the power steering pulley seams to stall any ideas?

Hi As with all ancillary units (PAS pump, Air-Con, Alternator) they all put a load on the belt while the engine is running, the most likely cause is the auto belt tensioner the spring gets weak with age ;)

[Linhurst]

My 1999 Mondeo & 1996 Galaxy both have noisy power steering. Mondeo for a good year & not really getting any worse. Only really noticeable when parking so not a big issue for me. My local garage suggests live with it as only worth replacing if not working/leaking given age.

 

As an aside I was also living with a noisy clutch (pedal depressed) on Galaxy before the hydraulic seal went covering the clutch in fluid. Good job I had not replaced the clutch release bearing earlier!