Help - Steering problem on 182

[Hawk]

My Cupped 2005 182FF has a problem which only starts after 30 minutes of driving, which makes it hard for the dealer to find because they let it cool off for hours before testing it and telling me its fine after a 2 minute test drive.

Basically there is a squeaking grinding noise which happens when I go over a bump, set off or stop or turn the steering wheel at low speeds. Its quite loud and is definately a problem, but so far I have been unable to show it to the dealer because it only happens when the car has about 30 minutes driving and is well warmed up.

Im sure its getting worse, and was really bad today after a 2 hour B road run, so maybe it will be easier to spot, anyone have any ideas??? id say the rack, but the stop start and bump noises also suggest suspension??? Do steering racks warm up???

PS - I checked the steering fluid, its fine!

 

[Fred@BTM]

sounds like you need a pair of my strut top washers!

 

[Hawk]

Sounds a simple fix, is it a common fault?

How much are strut top washers fitted?

 

[Hawk]

Ive just read the 21 page thread on this, and it does not sound like my problem, any other ideas?

 

[Dan 172]

^^^ I'm having the exact problem with mine.

I've checked the steering rack bolts, checked the gearbox top mount and its still doing it.

It gets worse when warm and in traffic.

Mine knocks when pulling away and when stopping, and the steering creeks on the when I turn at low speeds in traffic.

Mine is in at the dealers tomorrow again to find out, but mine is out of warranty so I can't wait to find out the cost.

 

[MRBILLYUK]

Mine used to make a squeaking noise , like something needed oiling . The dealer tighten up the bolts on the subframe and it's gone away now

 

[Dan 172]

^^^ It could be something like that, as it sounds like something is loose causing the knocking when stopping a pulling away.

Anyone got any other ideas so I can tell the dealers to tomorrow.

 

[Hawk]

Dan, that sounds exactly like what mine is doing, hope you get it sorted out cheaply and then pass on the info to me so I can get mine fixed.

Do you reckon the strut top mounts could be the cause, if I was out of warranty Id pay a tenner to find out.

 

[Dan 172]

I wouldn't of thought the washers would help, as they allow more play in the top mounts.

I'll see what happens, but it may be a option to try.

Its in the dealers today, I just need them to get the car warmed up in traffic really, so they can hear it.

 

[Hawk]

My dealer was unwilling to take it for a warm up. I told them it needed a good drive before it would happen, and the technicians comment on the sheet was "whats a good drive?" so Im not sure he even tried.

Gutted, half a day off work to be told that!

 

[Dan 172]

I know what you mean. I just don't think they are allowed to stay out driving about for long.

I took them for a quick spin this morning, but i said it pointless really unless they can drive it into town through traffic.

I'll let you know what happens.

 

[Hawk]

Come on Dan, did the dealer find anything wrong?

 

[Dan 172]

Well they are replacing the ball joint on the nearside where the noise is coming from.

They heard the noise and found the ball-joint was leaking grease, so i will hopefully have it back tomorrow.

I really hope its just that.

 

[Gaz_]

if its not that and still creaks whilst turning it could also be the strut top bearings, as this is quite common on the clios....

 

[Tom]

Listen to fred.

You need to get the washers fitted.

 

[Hawk]

Dan, I hope so too, let me know if its the cure, I will check my joints today.

Tom, I thought the washers were to cure problems on full lock, this happens when going straight or turning the wheel just off centre, if anything a bit of lock cures it.