I have a MY00 UK Turbo - when the engine is at normal operating temperature & the car has been run for 15 minutes or so, when I maneuver the car at parking speeds, as I turn the steering wheel, it makes a sound like running your nail across tent canvas - a sort of "zizz". Its only just loud enough to hear over the stereo. It doesn't happen when the car is cold, or the engine is off. I've whipped the shroud off the steering column, and there's nothing fouling the wheel or column.

Does this happen to anybody else? Is it a "design characteristic", or should I get the garage to look at it on the next service?

 

does it happen whilst in motion or just when stationary?
cos my legacy does a similar thing and all it is is the power steering pump having to work a bit harder when the car is not moving and it has yet to be a problem. if however it does it on the move i am lost as to cause or remedy.

 

It's the power steering pump. My old MY00 used to do it. It got so loud in the end that the pump was changed under warranty.

"They all do it sir."

 

Yep deffo sounds like power steering pump to me, changed mine about 7 months ago, not a difficult job at all.

 

check the fluid levle first

 

It's only audible at parking speeds, as it needs a good third of a turn to hear it. I've checked the level & it's spot-on.

Thanks Simon H & TBMeech - I did wonder whether it was that. It seemed odd though that you can't hear the sound from outside the car, only from within - I guess the source of the noise must travel up the steering column. I'll get the garage to check it out next month as it's still under warranty.

[Edited by Tim Caddick - 11/19/2002 7:28:13 PM]

 

Mine is exactly the same, fluid levels ok. Just had 37500 service but forgot to mention it to them. Sti 4 Type R (as above post says) "They (prob) all do ......."