Xantia TD - odd noise from steering

[ecohouse1]

Hi folks, odd one this. I have noticed over the last couple of weeks that there has been an odd noise when I just gently turn the steering off the centre line (ie not at full lock) - I can only hear it inside the car and I can only describe it as similar to blowing over a reed in a wind instrument!!!!Its a gentle tone sound - not the usual hiss or squeal. I am assuming that its the steering not anything else. Everything is functioning as it should, there is no stiffness etc in the steering. Maybe nothing but with old Citroens you are never sure if its not a sign of impending doom!!

Cheers

[Peter.N.]

Is the noise there continuously while the wheel is in that position or only when you move it?

Peter

[ecohouse1]

Only when I move it and it almost appears to happen at any point along the steering spectrum, although it appears mostly just around dead centre when turning into parallel park etc. I cant hear it at anything over tickover. I try winding down the window to see if there is any noticable noise outside the car but not hearing anything.

[Peter.N.]

Very difficult to tell without hearing it, you could put a video on youtube but it doesn't sound serious so I wouldn't worry about it if I were you unless it gets a lot worse or the symptoms change.

Peter

[elma]

Sounds normal to me, both my TDs do that.

[CitroJim]

Sounds normal to me, both my TDs do that.

I would agree. The sound is that of rapidly flowing LHM along the pipework...

All of mine have done it to a greater or lesser extent...

[ecohouse1]

Thanks Chaps. Perhaps a bit paranoid. I hadn't noticed the noise previously!!

[ecohouse1]

Update on "the noise", I have listened to the car when stopped and engine running, turning the steering gently from lock to lock and guess what - no noise!!

Even moving slowly it makes the noise. Sounds a bit like blowing hard across the top of an empty beer bottle and is worst about 15-20 degrees to the right from centre, slightly from left but right def noisier. It doesnt sound like high pressure fluid as that sounds different, unless air is getting in. Checked the reservoir and no foam, although there was a damp patch of LHM around the top of the resrvoir, ditto the seals on the HP pump but nothing major. I am now assuming the PS might be innocent and its something chafing on slight turn, that is not an issue on a tight turn!! Very odd. I have been flat out moving stuff and towing trailers the last couple of weeks so not had much time to investigate but hope to get the front end up and slide underneath to have a proper look with engine running and slot it into first or second and turn the steering.

Worryingly its getting slightly louder though each week!!

[Peter.N.]

If its only occurring when you are moving it could be a defective tyre.

[chinkostu]

Wheel bearings all ok?

[Xantidote]

I can't for the life of me remember the car or the circumstances, but I do recall reading of a similar situation where the noise problem was ultimately traced to a pipe which needed to be made more secure. In this instance, is there any hydraulic pipe which passes very close to (say) the bulkhead, or a bracket which is missing?

[CitroJim]

Not the bulkhead Martin but very worth checking the PAS pipes as they run along the subframe and also the heatshield over the steering rack pinion valve...

[ecohouse1]

Thanks Chaps, I am pretty sure its not Tyres or Bearings, and N/S Front Wheel Bearing was changed only about 12k miles ago. Its getting worse and only on the move so suspect either something loose or corroded. Will get the car up on stands, run in gear and turn steering left and right and see what happens. Is it possible for the Aux belt to slip on just gentle movement of the steering but not while on full lock? Also surely the steering would be under greater load at standstill as the wheels are being turned with max load? Ironicall this is all happening while the cooling fans are running full tilt so not loving my Xant at the mo! I pulled the relays out in frustrating last Sunday as I was getting fed up with the constant roar! Luckily the weather is so cool here the guage rarely goes above 75 even without fans!!

[ecohouse1]

OK - Jack up car - engage 1st & 2nd gear. Wheels turning - turn steering left and right. no noise!!!!!! - down on ground again - drive away - get to first bend - noise again. Very wierd. Inspected around the underside - no obvious leaks, no chafing or signs of contact etc. Will just have to wait til it gets worse then it will be easier to find!! Just hope its not of the "bang - what was that" on a cold dark night in the middle of nowhere noise!

[Peter.N.]

Could it be that the play in the bearings when the weight is on them is allowing the disc to change position and contact something?

Peter