Carina E Power Steering - Loud Noise

[sjapplet]

Hi

Over the past few weeks I have noticed that when cold, and particularly when turning a corner at the bottom of a hill near me, the power steering makes a rather unwholesome noise as if something is very unhealthy under the bonnet.

It's not a squeal - it sounds like something mechanical rubbing against something else mechanical before they finally decide to start working at the same speed.

The noise is there even if not on full lock, but only seems to appear when the car is cold.

I renewed the power steering and alternator belts about a year ago, and they seem to be the correct tension. Although I haven't checked recently, the power steering fluid is always at the same level, and in any case I had an MOT done 3 weeks ago and it passed ok.

Any suggestions? The noise is rather disconcerting.

[rf76]

Carina E's were prone to the p/s rack failing later on in life. This would be visually apparent as the p/s fluid leaks from the rack boots and makes a hell of a mess on your drive etc. If no leaks, then I'd suggest you have someone sit in the car and turn the steering lock to lock whilst you're under the bonnet. Sounds like a p/s pump fault to me if fluid levels are ok.