Whining noise on slow turns and slow speed deceleration

[Stevofoz]

Hi All,

I have a feeling I may have worked out what is causing the above but I just wanted to check with the collective knowledge of all on here. My AMK S3 has just started to make a whining noise when exiting my driveway, pulling out of junctions, slow speed turns and slow speed deceleration when approaching traffic lights or slow manoeuvring.

I have spent the last couple of hours searching through old threads and it seems it could be one of two things - auxiliary belt tensioner or power steering pump. As yet, I have not had the chance to check the power steering fluid level but I have recently noticed the the engine under tray and also the large pipe that runs under the radiator ( I think it;s the charge pipe between the intercoolers) both have an oily stain on them that was not there previously.

Can anyone please confirm if there is something around that area that is to do with the power steering that could potentially be leaking? I don't appear to be leaving any oily drips or puddles on the driveway so it must be containing any leak -if it has one - within the engine bay for now.

Also, if it is power steering related either fluid or pump is it a fairly straight forward system for the home mechanic to make repairs/replace components or should I book it in to a garage?

Any help/info on components would be gratefully received as always.

Steve

 

[<tuffty/>]

Does it make a groaning noise as you turn lock to lock (full lock and stationary)?

<tuffty/>

 

[Stevofoz]

Hi Tuffty,

I have not yet tried lock to lock while stationary, I have only really put 2 & 2 together since I parked up at the station this morning.

Will give it a go when I get back to the car this evening.

 

[<tuffty/>]

If it does then it sounds like low PS fluid... the metal PS pipes on Mk4 chassis cars are a common failure point... they corrode something chronic...

<tuffty/>

 

[Stevofoz]

I have a horrible feeling it is all down to a corroded pipe, it would explain the oily residue on the under tray. I sense a ball-ache of an upcoming job......

 

[<tuffty/>]

...and expense sadly... the replacement pipe work is not cheap from a dealer... a few people though have used specialist hydraulics companies to get the pipes patched up fairly cheaply though...

<tuffty/>

 

[Stevofoz]

So it seems there is a leak, I checked the fluid level which was low (topped up with the correct green stuff from the Stealers) and also tried the lock to lock test which issued the exact same noise as when I'm driving/manoeuvring at slow speeds.

It is booked in to have all oils/filters changed the first week in March so will get the garage to locate and fix the leak at the same time.

Looks like March is going to be an expensive month!

Thanks again for your advice and knowledge Tuffty!

 

[A3_130]

As Tuffty says if you find a local engineering place they should be able to fix the pipe work quite cheaply depending on how bad it is. I had to adapt my power steering pipe work on a Mk4 when fitting a slightly different engjne and they brazed it for me for £30 and did a top notch job of it - pressure tested as well.

 

[Stevofoz]

Thanks for the help and advice all, I have spoken with the chap at the garage where it is booked in and he knows a couple engineering workshops local to him that should be able to help.