Front groaning and moaning on full lock

[tommchowat]

Hey guys.

Adding to the list of car noises.

On full lock either side, the car starts doing a high pitched moan from the front, proportional to how far over the steering wheel is. If I have the car stationary and wheel on full lock, it moans constantly, even when the car itself isn't moving! It's made worse when on uneven camber (like half on a curb and half on the road).

I've had all upper and lower suspension arms changed. New uprights. New wheel bearings. New tie rod ends. Just had a service and nothing found. Just had an MOT and nothing found.



Video to follow.

Here we go, opinions welcomed.

https://youtu.be/S7uzxph3xAk

[Pistolpete2543]

Have you checked your power steering fluid level?

[MeTsU]

I unfortunately can't listen to the video now, but have you noticed if the sound is worse when say the headlights are on or not, and performing the same movement?

[tommchowat]

Haven't noticed anything with the lights!

Power steering fluid level is good and has been for a while. Certainly not pissing out anywhere. But the fact that it does this when the car isn't even moving would rule out drive shafts, four wheel drive system and brakes, and point towards the steering.

I've had four people say it's the power steering pump and that their cars do the exact same (seems to be a B7 thing?) Some research would suggest that flushing the system and replacing the fluid would quieten it down some. I'll get that done next week.

[MeTsU]

Reason I was asking about if it changes when the lights are on, is I have previously seen on a Volkwagen, that there was an odd squeal that would occur only during the same conditions as you are explaining, and worse when the headlights were on (electrical load). The cause of the noise was the clutch in the alternator pulley.

[MikeFish]

Sounds like the power steering to me.

[super7]

I have the same issue with left full lock. Would love to know what’s causing it.

(New to the forum just picked up and RS Avant a week ago. Will post pics when it’s had a wash!)

[Covkiller]

RTFM page 199

"If the steering is held at its turning point limit when the car is stationary, this will place an excessive load on the power steering. In this case the power steering will make noises, (stop it, you’re hurting me, I will scream & scream). It will also reduce the idling speed of the engine".

[super7]

RTFM page 199

"If the steering is held at its turning point limit when the car is stationary, this will place an excessive load on the power steering. In this case the power steering will make noises, (stop it, you’re hurting me, I will scream & scream). It will also reduce the idling speed of the engine".

Can’t argue with that! Cheers for the info, thought I had an issue gald it’s juys my inability to RTFM

[hector8]

I had moaning and groaning from same scenario.... 6 months ago it was just a power steering top up that helped. Over the frosty period a power steering fluid oil pipe burst leaving a right mess as most dripped on the engine guard, so when I reversed back it looked like the engine had threw up its bowels.

I immediately thought gaskets, engine oil feed..... but no a simple power steering fluid pipe.

[MikeFish]

a simple power steering fluid pipe.

You are lucky, they are not all simple. One costs about £130 in parts but over 1k in labour.

[iconic78]

As it’s groaning under load it’s the PS pump telling you it’s about to give up on life. I’d replace it as replacing the fluid won’t really help other than to make it a bit quieter.


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[eliano]

I had moaning and groaning from same scenario.... 6 months ago it was just a power steering top up that helped. Over the frosty period a power steering fluid oil pipe burst leaving a right mess as most dripped on the engine guard, so when I reversed back it looked like the engine had threw up its bowels.

I immediately thought gaskets, engine oil feed..... but no a simple power steering fluid pipe.

Couldn't describe or Point me in the right direction, have lost fluid in the same Manor but cannot see where it's leaking

[hector8]

I left it with my mechanic as I got a few other bits and pieces replaced while it was there.
Will text him and see what he says