LuvinmyEB

I'll try and keep this short.

Last Wednesday, I came home from somewhere (probably shopping ), parked my car, went back out and there was a puddle of fluid underneath the front end of the car.

The next time I started the car to back it out, the steering made a rather unnerving crunching/grinding sound and I had no power steering. Guess we know where that puddle of fluid came from. :oo1:

The thing of it is, I cannot see where the fluid came from and the power steering still kicks in and out when I'm driving.

I have it booked in at Bayford for Thursday for diagnostics, I was just wondering if anyone had experienced anything similar or knew how much this is going to fix.

VH-PBC

It can be the steering column that's making the noise, even though the power steering unit is kicking over. It can also be the power steering unit because it comes on and off intermittently. Or it can be both!

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LuvinmyEB

Funny you should say that about the steering column, I lowered it and the noises stopped. But the power steering is still kicking in and out.
I hope it's not both!!

VH-PBC

Oh, the loss of power steering could also be caused by the belt slipping a bit but I highly doubt that one. By the sound of things it could be both. Expect about $200-$300 for each of them; the column and pump. Obviously it depends on where you go and if they use new parts or second hand reco.

Rack and pinion is another one that comes to mind. This job goes for about $350-$500. The part should definately be new and includes a wheel alignment.

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outback_ute

Check your fluid level too, try to keep it topped up while you wait.

XWish Ute

Reckon it's the bearing at the bottom of the column. Unfortunately non-replaceable. Quoted $280 trade for a new column a while back - wreckers would be cheaper but you don't know how long it will last!

Fairly common with the E-series.... :-(

LuvinmyEB

OK, you guys are seriously scaring me now, I'm broke!
Thanks for all your input though, the steering is making that horrible noise again even though when I first lowered the column it stopped. :(

VH-PBC

Does it make more of clunking noise as you turn the steering wheel? If it does then it has to be the column.

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LuvinmyEB

I just took it for a quick drive to the shop and it's behaving itself tonight. Typical.
Power steering was fine, no noises at all. I think it was last night that the noise was defintely coming from the column. It was a clunking noise but it was a high pitched clunking. Does that make sense?
I didn't get it to Bayford today because I've been as sick as a dog. :(

XWish Ute

Yep. Definitely sounds like the bearing (doesn't explain the puddle though!).

To confirm mine, I squirted a bit of oil onto the bearing from the engine side - stopped the noise for a little while - but it confirms a stuffed lower column bearing. Also stick your head under the bonnet while someone swings the steering wheel back and forth - may also assist in pinpointing the source of the noise! Good luck!