Power Steering on Dimension

[Graham]

Hi Ant or anybody else that can help.

As you know we have a Dimension and occasionally when I am turning right usually on full lock we get a grinding or sort of rumbling noise from the engine area drivers side. As I say this doesn't happen every time but it is puzzling me.

I take it to be serviced at the main dealers in Nottingham and have mentioned it twice and they can't find anything wrong and it doesn't do it for them, has anyone any idea what the problem could be so that I could give the service department a clue where to look. The vehicle is still under manufacturers warranty so I want to get it sorted before that runs out, especially if it is something serious.

Cheers
Graham

[ant]

Hi Graham.
The power steering pump will make a rumbling noise on full lock as the powered ram tries to turn the wheel but can't as its already on full lock. What is happening is the power steering fluid is being forced through a valve and returned to the resevoir to be recycled, this makes a noise, also if you hold it on full lock after a longish trip and the belt is hot it will slip slightly adding to the noise.
I doubt there is anything wrong with your steering but you should always back off the lock so the noise stops , this will both lengthen the life of the units PAS pump and the drive belt - To say nothing of reducing your own stress and worry!
Ant

[Graham]

Thanks Ant, its a relief to know there is nothing seriously wrong, and thanks for the advice I will have to be more careful how I take corners and roundabouts and hopefully prolong the life of the parts.

Cheers
Graham