Full lock clicking noise

[haarp]

Hi, all. I have today bought a 1989 H reg Maestro Diesel 2.0 LX. It seems like a really nice car (my former car was a Skoda Estelle - cue the Jasper Carrot jokes! All of which, I can now verify, were close to reality). Anyway, as I say it seems really nice; leccy windows, PAS and - working ventilation! (if you've ever owned an old Skoda you'll know why I'm so over the moon with that.)

Anyway, after getting it home I did notice something which rather disturbed me. Whenever I put full lock on I keep hearing an intermittant ticking/clicking noise. As soon as I move the steering wheel even a millimetre off full lock the noise ceases. Is there anyone who can tell me if this means there is something seriously wrong with the car or something which can be lived with and doesnt compromise its safety?

[E_T_V]

Almost certainly the power steering. All power steering systems absolutely hate being held on full lock as the pump is working overtime adding pressure to one side but the stop on the otherside has been reached. The simple answer is not to hold it on full lock. (I believe the Rover manuals actually say not to hold it on full lock for more than 10 seconds) That isn't to mean that you can't use full lock, just not "hit" it and try to turn farther than is actually possible to go. The clicking is the pump or maybe the pressure relief valve, Nothing to worry about unless it is leaking fluid. I'm guessing that coming from a Skoda it didn't have PAS and it is just something you get used to. Try it on any other new car and it'll do the same.

Glad you enjoy the maestro, I hope it gives you many miles of fun and there is always friendly advice here if you need it

Cheers

Dan

[E_T_V]

Oh yes if the noise is only when you are moving it might be something mechanical rather than the PAS. Is the noise when you are moving or stationary?

[haarp]

Originally posted by E_T_V
Almost certainly the power steering. All power steering systems absolutely hate being held on full lock as the pump is working overtime adding pressure to one side but the stop on the otherside has been reached. The simple answer is not to hold it on full lock. (I believe the Rover manuals actually say not to hold it on full lock for more than 10 seconds) That isn't to mean that you can't use full lock, just not "hit" it and try to turn farther than is actually possible to go. The clicking is the pump or maybe the pressure relief valve, Nothing to worry about unless it is leaking fluid. I'm guessing that coming from a Skoda it didn't have PAS and it is just something you get used to. Try it on any other new car and it'll do the same.

Glad you enjoy the maestro, I hope it gives you many miles of fun and there is always friendly advice here if you need it

Cheers

Dan




Hi, Dan. Hope this message reaches you because Im not very computer literate so having a little trouble understanding how to reply to messages! Anyway, Dan, my car is not leaking and it only makes this clicking noise when I am parked and am turning the steering wheel to full lock. And, with regard to the Skoda, you guessed right. It does not have PAS. In fact it has nothing - even a skateboard would be better than a Skoda Estelle! And that is no exageration!. Anyway, Dan (not sure about this icon thing, so I will say it in words), a great big thumbs up to you, sir, you have set my mind at rest. Thanks for taking the time!

[TurboMG]

Its not the PAS, its your CVJ (constant velocity joint) replace it asap.

[Rich]

If its making the noise when its parked, i.e stationary, it wont be the the CV Joint. When mine went because the garage left the boot hanging off, you could only hear the clicking on full lock when you drove it in circles. If it only happens when the car is stationary then it must be PAS?

Rich

[topgear]

i have to agree im affraid, Thats what mine did when my CVJ went, made that click sound when on full lock whilst driving. Ive never had a car with PAS so cant comment on that tho!

Smashin'

[haarp]

Hmm, not being very mechanically minded I have done a little research on CV joints. From what I understand the car HAS to be in motion and on full lock to produce this clicking noise if it is down to the CVJ's. Presumably because the ball bearings in the CVJ can only be rotating if the wheel itself is rotating. My car only makes this clicking noise when I am parked and turn on the full lock. So would I be correct in saying that a car which is stationary could not possibly make this noise because there is something wrong with the CVJ? So would I further be correct in assuming that, in fact, this clicking sound is indeed down to the power steering pump being forced to work "overtime" as it were?

I'd really appreciate a definitive answer because, as to someone who has no idea about car mechanics, I'm finding it very confusing and now rather worrying.

Thanks

Max

[E_T_V]

Thh clicking noise can indeed be worn CV joints but ONLY when the car is in motion. If it does it when stationary it has to be the PAS. If it doesn't leak don't worry about it.

[John]

If you're pulling the steering to full lock whilst stationary the Pas is REALLY working hard and your tyres are wearing at a tremendous rate. This is not a good thing to do and it's best not to make a habit of it. To tyre manufacturers PAS is the best thingsince sliced bread so use it carefully. The CV joints can't make a noise when statinary unless they fall to bits, so it's down to the PAS which is working far too hard.

[haarp]

Thank you, E T V and John for your replies. I was today speaking to a workmate who told me the same thing, that it cant be the CVJ which is causing this and he also said its definitely the PAS, and quite normal. BTW, John, thanks for the warning about being careful not to turn the wheel full lock when stationary. It hadn't occurred to me it could damage the tyres and also push the PAS system too hard.

Cheers guys!

[Wonko_The_Sane]

My manual also warns ominously about holding the wheel "on lock" for 10 seconds or more...Mine just gurgles..:laugh:

Does on 40MPH roundabouts as well though...:rolleyes:

[tony]

:(no power steering on mine :(

[Wonko_The_Sane]

Too much on mine if anything..it's a disability conversion, and has an uprated pump/system. Easy to drive and park, she is...inspiring on icy winter roads she is not..sometimes I'd be tempted to disconnect the pump.

However..I doubt I'd part with my steering wheel "ball" now...I can out corner most cars..and rapid parking is SO simple..heh. I get lots of evil looks at work..it's "in, brake, put it in R, spin the funky wheel, spin it back, select "P", turn off.". Job done..:D

(I also weave in and out of cones forwards and backwards for fun..but then I'm a big kid..;) )

2 Years ago in winter myself and a friend found a big empty iced-over car park and decide to do "Montego/Maestro Ballet"..like that renault Espace ad..great fun..:D

[e692wtt]

Any ideas for suppliers of steering wheel 'balls' as above?

The other other Rich.:)