Hey guys,

I had my steering rack replaced last year on my '93 SC400 (233,400 miles). It's now having the same symtoms. It has a fairly loud electronic like hum when the wheel is turned. This was like an $800-$900 job just last year for the new rack and I'm broke right now! I haven't brought it in to the shop yet but I just wanted to see if any of you guys know anything about this or what causes it and if it is possibly anything other than the steering rack since it is only a year old.

Thanks for any help.

 

pull the cap off after a drive and see if the fluid has air in it (bubbles).

 

What does it mean if it does (or doesn't)?

BTW, the power steering fluid is full as I forgot to mention above.

 

could be the pump going out...

 

Usually repair shops give you a yr warranty on their work, so check with them.

Dont want to steal OLT's thunder, but the problem can be some where else.

Salim

 

One other point I forgot to mention;
It seems cold sensitive. There was nothing wrong until the first real
cold day came this year. It has continued since and is worst on cold
mornings (loud hum is there without even steering on cold start).

 

It is a leak in your power steering system. Check the hoses and reservoir. My car was making an obscene whining noise at idle, and it was entirely due to the reservoir area having a small leak. Fixed that...now my car is quiet again.

 

Was it expensive or did you do it yourself?
Also, if it is driven for a little while longer, do you think it would be very damaging to the power steering?

 

Well...my reservoir is a newer unit, purchased about 2 years ago. The leak was along on the the attachment points where the reservoir and hose meets. Just cleaned it up, refilled power steering fluid, checked for leaks...and presto!

I'll still keep an eye out for leaks for the next few weeks.

But it can be damaging if neglected. Air and moisture gets into the rack this way.

 

Not so fast. Remember each problem is unique. The system consists of reservoir, hoses, pump, regulator/divertor [part that connects with the sterring column, then the rack (which itself is a sub-system).

The problem can be anywhere. Tell tale sign of a trouble spot is a leak and worst still a hole through which air is sucked in (pin hole which is not large enough to leak out oil). OLT was potentially talking about that.

The stearing pump is actually the acheilies (sp?) heel for sc. A few months back I replaced the pump [with hesitation that the problem could be some-where else] and luckily it fixed the whining problem.

I still stand bye my earlier suggestion .... go the place who replaced the rack and let them diagnose the problem.

Salim

 

i think the high pressure hose is known for leaking, as stated above, its probably best to take it to a mechanic to be diagnosed because it could be tricky.

 

Thanks for you help guys.

I'll bring to where I had the steering rack replaced because I ain't no mechanic.