xantia squealing when turning wheel

kid · Unread post by **kid** » 28 Jul 2005, 02:40

Hi again
There is a noise coming from the steering when turning right. It only happens when significant force is added i.e. on full lock or turning right from a junction. It does not happen when (for e.g.) changing lanes.
The best i can describe the noise is like a high pitch squealing, it goes away when the steering is straightened. The noise does not happen when turning left IIRC. There is no knocking or vibration or anything like this.
The car has had two mots since purchase and apart from the offside handbrake being ineffective has flown through both times. The second mot the handbrake was cleaned out (as it was seized) and it passed all ok. I am only mentioning this to see if it has anything to do with it, although probably unlikely.
A specialist (some while back) told me that the noise was normal (!) and likely to be the hydraulic ram.
Should I be concerned? I will be most grateful for any advice

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 28 Jul 2005, 04:34

Donno if you should be concerned - but it's always a nuisance to have strange noises from your daily runner !
I believe you should try a follow up on that "likely to be the hydraulic ram" - as its defo not a normal noise.
It could be as simple as a dirty & dry ram cylinder rod - in which case it's just a rag and a dab of grease that does it [8)]
Get your car over a pit (or hoist) and then demand to have a look underneath with a mechanic. The ram cylinder is very easy to recognise - it should be like a shiny silver (chromed) rod with steering at rh lock and the surface should be a bit greasy. Any competent mechanic would do it.

jeremy · Unread post by **jeremy** » 28 Jul 2005, 04:37

Its not belt squeal is it?
jeremy

kid · Unread post by **kid** » 28 Jul 2005, 05:05

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by jeremy

Its not belt squeal is it?
jeremy
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Do you mean drive belt? If so i doubt it, i believe it’s got the self-tensioner and it seems nicely tensioned and new with no cracks. timing belt changed at 63k, as part of a recall. i have checked with previous owner and main dealer who have both confirmed this change.
as i say the noise only appears when turning right, does this point towards ram? i'll have a look with the wheel off.
thanks

Mandrake · Unread post by **Mandrake** » 28 Jul 2005, 05:59

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by kid

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by jeremy

Its not belt squeal is it?
jeremy
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Do you mean drive belt? If so i doubt it, i believe it’s got the self-tensioner and it seems nicely tensioned and new with no cracks. timing belt changed at 63k, as part of a recall. i have checked with previous owner and main dealer who have both confirmed this change.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
The hydraulic pump, which drives the power steering, runs off the auxillary belt not the timing belt. The timing belt is a toothed belt and is hidden under a cover on the right side of the engine, while the auxillary belt is a grooved belt which is the one that is visible on the right hand end of the engine...
The timing belt drives the camshafts (obviously) and the water pump, also indirectly the oil pump. The auxillary belt drives the hydraulic pump, alternator, and air conditioning compressor.
Replacing the timing belt requires the auxillary belt to be removed and refitted, but that doesn't mean that it was replaced...
Regards,
Simon

aengus · Unread post by **aengus** » 28 Jul 2005, 15:47

One or more of my XM's does this too, on full lock, seems common and doesn't appear to be a fault per se, so wouldn't worry too much.
regards
Dave
<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by kid

A specialist (some while back) told me that the noise was normal (!) and likely to be the hydraulic ram.
Should I be concerned? I will be most grateful for any advice
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

marpate1 · Unread post by **marpate1** » 28 Jul 2005, 16:07

Could the handbrake be being slightly applied on right lock?
Try backing it off and seeing if it helps.
Mark