steering, or body?

Hi...

Reason the last message said "almost" brand new is 'cause
I've now developed a problem, possibly of my own making,
and would appreciate any helpful advice.

Went to the lake. First, checked and topped up everything,
including unfortunately the power steering reservoir.

Newly beginners licensed driver the last 20 or 25 miles.
No traffic at all, nice slightly winding road. Radio off,
windows closed, fan turned low, no un-needed talking.
(no distractions for beginner)

Heard as the steering wheel turned a clicking noise, almost
like slowly winding a watch. About 1 click per maybe 2 inches
of wheel turn. Heard the same noise (or similar) only once
on very very gentle acceleration from a stop, and again just
the very instant before a complete gentle stop. Couldn't
tell whether from inside the car, or where.

Got where we were going, thought perhaps the power steering,
so checked it to find that it was immensely over-filled.
Used a straw to remove the excess (lots), and tried again.
Same noises. Experimented a bit. Noise isn't perfectly
in time, sorta like it was winding up tension on a bushing
and letting go. Can't explain better. However, reversing
the direction of turn gives you a bit of free space with
no click. Perhaps 6 inches of turn before it starts.

Played on the way home. Found that I could duplicate it
by holding the wheel as still as I can and hit a little
bump. The "ramp" at the end of my driveway will do it
everytime; just one click worth. Still can't tell whether
it comes from inside the car, or engine compartment, or under
the car.

There is however nothing under the car to grease, nothing at
all! Can't find a single nipple anywhere.

Anyone have any suggestions before I take it to the dealer and
run the risk of being told I need everything replaced?

Thanks in advance, and take care.

Ken

 

I don't think over filling the PS fluid reservoir would cause a clicking
sound at the wheel. The Hi/Lo marks on the PS reservoir are to ensure
that there is enough fluid in the system (LO mark) and that there isn't
so much fluid that it will overflow when the PS fluid expands when it
gets hot (HI mark).

One thing that would be worthwhile would be getting the PS system
flushed if it's never been done. The fluid needs to be replaced at
regular intervals and it's usually never done by most owners. Can be
done professionally. Or can be done at home via the turkey baster method
(repeated replacement of the fluid in the reservoir).

 

Get the drive train checked as well my mate owns a Landy and it made the
same noises then he broke a drive train component.
Lushy in AU