Power Steering: Graunch

Hi All (yes...I know...another question so soon after joining...but hey I'm an idiot!!) I went out intending to get a distributor and rotor arm for a diesel engine today...funnier still is that Halfords sold me one!!

Our 1990 200TDi has a strange graunch that I can't trace. It happens when dry steering or steering at low speeds (ie. up to 10 mph). Stranger still the noise seems a lot more noticable in the first few minutes of driving.

I've looked at the PAS pump, the belts, and all the joints in the steering system and although I can see a few are tired, nothing looks like it is obviously the cause. I can also see I'll have to replace the steering damper as ours is rather rusty.

The noise actually sounds like it's come from the steering column rather than the steering box, although I know noise travels.

Is there something I should be looking at that I've missed or should I just make it priority to replace tired ball joints etc?

Cheers!

Malcolm

can't really help you. my disco mk1 has the identical problem you have. it only does it when stationary or moving very slowly. maybe its common problem.

Paul - I'll let you know if I do something that cures mine as it's definitely not right!!

Malcolm

Have you tried oiling the universal joints in the steering column, there are two of them - one just below where the column appears through the bulhead and another a bit further down. They pick up road spray and do require regular lubrication with light oil.
They will give the symptoms you describe if allowed to dry out and they should be oiled after every time the vehicle has been in deep water.

I'll give that a go tonight and let you know if it sorts it!

Thanks (erm...yet again!!)

Malcolm

just oiled mine today and there was no difference. one thing i did notice is that it only did it when going from right full lock to left, not left to right.

It May Be The Locating Pin At The Lower Steering Rubber Flange That Is Vibrating In It's Hole ! ! Tried Some Silicone Sealant On Mine And It Reduced The 'graunch'....... Might Be Worth A Try !
Ps....
Just Blown My 200tdi,will Post Repair Results Later This Week (hopefully)!

To be honest I haven't looked at this yet; had to sort the gear selction more urgently as sometimes not having reverse when you most need it is a problem (multi-story car parks for example...).

Anyway our PAS pump has started to leak much worse than when we first got the car a couple of weeks ago so that's going to be replaced this weekend; it hadn't been used much recently and I guess the sudden activity has killed a marginal seal.

I'm going to go over the whole steering system and will let you know if I find an answer...starting to suspect the pump myself...

Malcolm

Incidentally, I did a bit of phoning around for a PAS pump for a 200TDI today and was told by one place selling s/hand ones that they hardly ever go wrong (maybe because he didn't have any new/recon ones in stock?).

I thought they were a common fault on early Disco's? Or is he right and a s/hand one will last forever..?

Malcolm

Trapped air in the pas system is one version i have heard...could`nt get my head round that one....yep mine graunches too.mucky`un.